What do you think of this quote?

Question

"Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it."--by George Santayana
Also, do you like the subject of history? Why or why not?

Answer 1

It's a great quote, but often overused. I believe that we should be aware of and learn from the past, but recognize that the present can never be an exact copy of what once was. See the similarities, but acknowledge the differences as well.

I've always liked history, because of its sense of timelessness, especially when you consider that human emotions remain pretty much the same regardless of the historical period or cultural imperative at the time.

Nice question!

Answer 2

Well, if it is equally true that "History repeats itself," then we're pretty much gonna bite new chucks of the human manure no mater what... HOWEVER, I tend to view history in the words of H.G. Wells, in that indeed, "History is a race between education & disaster!" So, my big thrust in life is all about "education over time." I see it as a impact vector that can help us avoid the many "cusps of catastrophe," heading our way (all too soon). So yes, history helps us see what idiot behaviors lead us into wars, plagues, famine, etc. and it can also help us to see when we actually carried on responsible "reconnoitering dialogue." We will always be "at choice" as a species... whether or not to seize our problems "by the horns" or to "bury our heads in the sand," next to that great river in Eygpt.

We will either continue "to back up into our future," as 'Bucky' Fuller said, or become more "anticipatory" in our thinking - knowing 'tis "better to err on the side of caution." This all brings to mind the quote from Einstein, "The problems that exist in the world today, cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them."

So yea, History is "way-cool." So is Philosophy, esp. Epistemological Investigations on "What we know."

Answer 3

Definitely true. The problem is, most politicians we have now don't see beyond the end of their noses, so we keep repeating it. I love history, though--if I didn't know the history behind current events, I couldn't understand them. For example, I wouldn't know that one reason Arabs hate Christians dates back from the Crusades, when we tried to wipe out their people because they were in control of "our" holy land. So we're not exactly innocent parties. Also, when we created a homeland for the Jews in 1948, Arabs were not consulted, just moved out of the way. And the Palestinians were supposed to be sharing the land, but Israel drove them on to just the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Sort of gives you a different perspective, doesn't it?

Answer 4

George Santayana's quote is a right one, History tells us what makes right and what not and help us to get a right answer for our present, if we ignore it, then we may be putting ourself into the same hot plate.

I like History, because it is the torch light for our future, I dont like it because soon we become part of the History.

Answer 5

i used to hate history when I was in j.h.s. Then it all changed when i took some classes in h.s. and college that were really interesting. people who study history know that human events recur in cycles (peace and war, poverty and wealth), so the quote is definitely accurate.

more Americans need to read about the history of our own government and some of the bad stuff it has done. only through an educated population can America remain competitive with the rest of the world.

Answer 6

I think that quote is very true- unfortunately even those who know history repeat their mistakes over and over. i only like history when it is in a movie or something fun to watch.

Answer 7

Only if they don't know they are - You know sometimes you think you've done something for the first time only to discover later that it's already been done. Funny thing about history - not knowing...
History -- Anything that happened

Answer 8

Yeah, I like me some history, just so long as its not personal history.

Answer 9

i think it's apt,because if you don't pay attention to past events and find yourself caught up in the same situation, you will not have learned from the past what mistakes they made, and may make the same mistakes again, thereby gaining ground when you might have had you paid attention. i do like history, because it's where we come from. it sums up our efforts to become better, and it's hindsight. you learn from hindsight, hence ignore and doomed. it's also just good reading, and interesting.

Answer 10

i love history, and i think thats a great quote. i watch the history channel a lot, i just find it fascinating. so many amazing things have happened in our history, its irresistable.