Achievement Quote by George Steiner
“It is not the literal past that rules us, save, possibly, in a biological sense. It is images of the past… Each new historical era mirrors itself in the picture and active mythology of its past or of a past borrowed from other cultures. It tests its sense of identity, of regress or new achievement against that past.”
About This Quote
Source Book: After Babel, George Steiner, 1975
Our perception of history is shaped by images and myths, not literal facts, influencing identity and progress.
In simple terms: History is understood through images and myths, not raw facts.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how narratives shape identity.
Themes
identity
history
myth
culture
perception
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- academic analysis
- creative writing
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Narrative construction
collective memory
cultural identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do personal narratives shape your sense of self?
- What myths influence your cultural identity?
A Different Perspective
Stories can oversimplify complex pasts.
