American politics is a struggle, not of men but of forces. The men become every year more and more creatures of force, massed about central power houses.
Henry AdamsRead
History is the most aristocratic of all literary pursuits, because it obliges the historian to be rich as well as educated.
Interpretation
What this quote means
History requires both wealth and knowledge to pursue effectively.
Henry Adams suggests that delving into history is a privileged endeavor that demands not only intellectual capacity but also financial resources. This perspective highlights the challenges faced by historians, as extensive research often necessitates access to resources that are typically available only to those who are financially secure.
Themes
HistoryEducationLiterary PursuitsWealthKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about the importance of historical studies in graduate programs.
More from Henry Adams
All quotes βOf all studies, the one he would rather have avoided was that of his own mind. He knew no tragedy so heartrending as introspection.
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Simplicity is the most deceitful mistress that ever betrayed man.
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Church and State, Soul and Body, God and Man, are all one at Mont Saint Michel, and the business of all is to fight, each in his own way, or to stand guard for each other.
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The American President resembles the commander of a ship at sea. He must have a helm to grasp, a course to steer, a port to seek.
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The effect of power and publicity on all men is the aggravation of self, a sort of tumor that ends by killing the victim's sympathies.
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