History is a myth that men agree to believe.
Napoleon BonaparteRead
History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon.
Interpretation
What this quote means
History is shaped by collective agreement about what happened in the past.
This quote by Napoleon Bonaparte suggests that history is not just a series of events, but rather a collective narrative agreed upon by people. It implies that our understanding of history is influenced by perspectives, biases, and the choices made by those who record it, leading to a subjective version of past events that can vary from one group to another.
Themes
HistoryEventsPerspectiveAgreementInterpretation
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about how history is taught in schools.
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One can lead a nation only by helping it see a bright outlook. A leader is a dealer in hope.
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We must laugh at man to avoid crying for him.
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Ten people who speak make more noise than ten thousand who are silent.
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It is my wish that my ashes may repose on the banks of the Seine, in the midst of the French people, whom I have loved so well.
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