Books Quote by Herman Melville
““But I must be content with only one more and a concluding illustration; a remarkable and most significant one, by which you will not fail to see, that not only is the most marvellous event in this book corroborated by plain facts of the present day, but that these marvels (like all marvels) are mere repetitions of the ages; so that for the millionth time we say amen with Solomon - Verily there is nothing new under the sun.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Moby-Dick, 1851
The passage reflects on the timelessness of human experience, noting that even extraordinary events are repetitions of past ages, echoing the biblical "nothing new under the sun."
In simple terms: History repeats itself; no event is truly original.
Key Takeaway
Recognize patterns to gain insight.
Themes
history
philosophy
repetition
Mood
contemplative
melancholic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- literary analysis
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
cyclical nature
human condition
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern events feel truly unprecedented?
- How does recognizing repetition affect our expectations?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on repetition may ignore genuine novelty.
![“[N]ot only is the most marvellous event in this book collaborated by plain facts of the present day, but that these marvels (like all marvels) are mere repetitions of the ages.” quote by Herman Melville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/16e/herman-melville-162_books_n-ot-only-is-the-most-marvellous-event-i_1174131.jpg)
