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.
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I am an Anglo-Catholic in religion, a classicist in literature and a royalist in politics.
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If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?
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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.
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In the faint moonlight, the grass is singing
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