QuoteProject
We should be wary of politicians who profess to follow history while only noticing those signposts of history that point in the direction which they themselves already favour.
Douglas Hurd
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Be cautious of politicians who selectively interpret history to support their own views.

This quote highlights the tendency of politicians to cherry-pick historical examples that align with their existing beliefs or agendas, rather than taking a comprehensive view of history. It serves as a warning to remain critical of narratives that claim to be based on historical facts but are influenced by bias and personal interests.

Themes

PoliticsHistoryBiasCautionTruth

In practice

Example use cases

During a political debate, a moderator can use this quote to challenge a candidate's interpretation of historical events.

Similar quotes

Walks. The body advances, while the mind flutters around it like a bird.
Jules RenardRead
Soft-brained people, weak-minded, chicken-hearted , cannot find the truth. One has to be free, and as broad as the sky.
Swami VivekanandaRead
I think that certainty is a closed door, It's the end of the conversation. Doubt is an open door.
John Patrick ShanleyRead
Repentance can become a very, very deep phenomenon in you if you understand the responsibility. Then even a small thing, if it becomes a repentance-- not just verbal, not just on the surface; if it goes deep to the roots, if you repent from the roots; if your whole being shakes and trembles and cries, and tears come out; not only out of your eyes but out of every cell of your body, then repentance can become a transfiguration.
RajneeshRead
The world without spirit is a wasteland. People have the notion of saving the world by shifting things around, changing the rules, and who's on top, and so forth. No, no! Any world is a valid world if it's alive. The thing to do is to bring life to it, and the only way to do that is to find in your own case where the life is and become alive yourself.
Joseph CampbellRead
I love America more than any other country in the world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually. I think all theories are suspect, that the finest principles may have to be modified, or may even be pulverized by the demands of life, and that one must find, therefore, one's own moral center and move through the world hoping that this center will guide one aright.
James A. BaldwinRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.