I have a private theory, Sir, that there are no heroes and no monsters in this world. Only children should be allowed to use these words
Alfred De VignyRead
History is a novel for which the people is the author.
Interpretation
What this quote means
History is shaped by the actions and decisions of people.
This quote by Alfred De Vigny suggests that history is not merely a record of events, but rather a narrative crafted by the collective choices and actions of individuals. Just as an author pens a novel, the people contribute their stories, influences, and decisions, thereby forming the legacy of our past.
Themes
HistoryPeopleAuthorNarrativeChoices
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on the impact of individual choices in history.
More from Alfred De Vigny
All quotes βThe existence of the soldier, next to capital punishment, is the most grievous vestige of barbarism which survives among men.
Alfred De VignyRead
We shall find in our troubled hearts, where discord reigns, two needs which seem at variance, but which merge, as I think, in a common source - the love of the true, and the love of the fabulous.
Alfred De VignyRead
Do you not see with your own eyes the chrysalis fact assume by degrees the wings of fiction?
Alfred De VignyRead
Of what use were the arts if they were only the reproduction and the imitation of life?
Alfred De VignyRead
Of what use is the memory of facts, if not to serve as an example of good or of evil?
Alfred De VignyRead
Similar quotes
It is often said that definitions of Islamic government are imprecise. To me, however, they seemed to have a clarity that was completely familiar and also, it must be said, far from reassuring.
Michel FoucaultRead
Nip the shoots of arbitrary power in the bud, is the only maxim which can ever preserve the liberties of any people.
John Quincy AdamsRead
To believe that patriotism will not flourish if patriotic ceremonies are voluntary and spontaneous instead of a compulsory routine is to make an unflattering estimate of the appeal of our institutions to free minds.
Robert H. JacksonRead
Pain forces even the innocent to lie.
Publilius SyrusRead
If you cannot bear these stories then the society is unbearable. Who am I to remove the clothes of this society, which itself is naked. I don't even try to cover it, because it is not my job, that's the job of dressmakers.
Saadat Hasan MantoRead
The Lord is greater than all: I have said enough.
Saint PatrickRead