There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
T. S. EliotRead
The historical sense involves a perception, not only of the pastness of the past, but of its presence
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that understanding history requires recognizing its influence on the present, not just acknowledging it as a remote time period.
T.S. Eliot emphasizes the importance of grasping the connection between the past and the present. He argues that to fully understand history, one must perceive it not merely as a series of events that have occurred, but as a continuum that shapes current reality. This historical sense allows individuals to appreciate the relevance and impact of past experiences, choices, and cultures on contemporary life.
Themes
HistoryPresentInfluencePerceptionPast
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech reflecting on the importance of history in education.
More from T. S. Eliot
All quotes βHalf of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm. But the harm does not interest them.
T. S. EliotRead
I am an Anglo-Catholic in religion, a classicist in literature and a royalist in politics.
T. S. EliotRead
If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?
T. S. EliotRead
For I have known them all already, known them allβ Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.
T. S. EliotRead
In the faint moonlight, the grass is singing
T. S. EliotRead
Similar quotes
The mullahs of the Islamic world and the mullahs of the Hindu world and the mullahs of the Christian world are all on the same side. And we are against them all.
Arundhati RoyRead
The Pope is a mere tormentor of conscience. The assembly of his greased and religious crew in praying was altogether like the croaking of frogs, which edified nothing at all.
Martin LutherRead
The ultimate, most holy form of theory is action.
Nikos KazantzakisRead
I work only with lost and founds.
Clarice LispectorRead
Any hack can safely rail away at foreign powers beyond the sea; but a good writer is a critic of the society he lives in.
Edward AbbeyRead
Keep in mind that you are always saying "no" to something. If it isn't to the apparent and urgent things in your life, it is probably to the most fundamental, highly important things.
Stephen CoveyRead