We're always attracted to the edges of what we are, out by the edges where it's a little raw and nervy.
E. L. DoctorowRead
And though the newspapers called the shooting the Crime of the Century, Goldman knew it was only 1906 and there were ninety-four years to go.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the perspective of time and the relevance of events in history.
E. L. Doctorow's quote illustrates the idea that significant events, though labeled as monumental in the moment, are only a small part of the broader timeline of history. By acknowledging that a shooting referred to as the 'Crime of the Century' took place in 1906, the quote suggests that what seems extraordinarily significant now may fade in importance as time progresses, reminding us to take a long view of historical events.
Themes
TimeHistoryEventsPerspectiveSignificance
In practice
Example use cases
Discussing the fleeting nature of fame during a lecture on historical events.
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