The best use of history is as an inoculation against radical expectations, and hence against embittering disappointments.
Interpretation
History teaches us to temper our expectations to avoid disappointment.
George Will's quote emphasizes the importance of learning from history in order to set realistic expectations for the future. By understanding past events and outcomes, individuals can avoid the pitfalls of radical expectations that can lead to disappointment and frustration when reality does not meet those expectations.
In practice
During a lecture on the importance of context in decision-making, one might use this quote to highlight the relevance of historical analysis.
The problem with intelligent-design theory, is not that it is false but that it is not falsifiable. Not being susceptible to contradicting evidence, it is not a testable hypothesis. Hence it is not a scientific but a creedal tenet - a matter of faith, unsuited to a public school's science curriculum.
The cultivation - even celebration - of victimhood by intellectuals, tort lawyers, politicians and the media is both cause and effect of today's culture of complaint.
Correct thinkers think that 'baseball trivia' is an oxymoron: nothing about baseball is trivial.
Constitutional arguments that seem as dry as dust can have momentous consequences.
The civil forfeiture law - if something so devoid of due process can be dignified as law - is an incentive for perverse behavior: Predatory government agencies get to pocket the proceeds from property they seize from Americans without even charging them with, let alone convicting them of, crimes. Criminals are treated better than this because they lose the fruits of their criminality only after being convicted.
Actually, there is only one first question of government, and it is How should we live? or What kind of people do we want our citizens to be?
Negative emotions are like unwelcome guests. Just because they show up on our doorstep doesn't mean they have a right to stay.
Avoid banquets which are given by strangers an ignorant persons. But if there is ever occasion to join them, let your attention be carefully fixed, that you slip not into the manner of the vulgar (the uninstructed).
From the holy scriptures, heaven-sent lift will be found for heaven-sent duties.
Whatever you think someone else should give to you, you need to be able to give yourself first.
The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.
Some people see the glass half full. Others see it half empty. I see a glass that's twice as big as it needs to be.
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