Answers Quote by John Dos Passos
“Every generation rewrites the past. In easy times history is more or less of an ornamental art, but in times of danger we are driven to the written record by a pressing need to find answers to the riddles of today… In times of change and danger when there is a quicksand of fear under men's reasoning, a sense of continuity with generations gone before can stretch like a lifeline across the scary present and get us past that idiot delusion of the exceptional Now that blocks good thinking.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Age of Anxiety, John Dos Passos, 1931
History is reshaped by each generation; during crises people turn to the past for guidance and continuity.
In simple terms: People look to history for help when scared.
Key Takeaway
Seek lessons from past generations.
Themes
history
generational memory
crisis response
continuity
critical thinking
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political decision making
- personal coping
- education curricula
- media analysis
Key Concepts
collective memory
narrative construction
psychological resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- How does fear influence our view of history?
- What past lessons are most relevant today?
A Different Perspective
History can be selectively interpreted, reinforcing bias.
