History Quote by Lorrie Moore
““Why not admit history's power to divide and destroy? Why attach ourselves to the age-old stories in the belief that they are truer than the new ones? By living in the past, you always know what comes next, and that robs you of surprises. It exhausts and warps the mind. We are lucky simply to be alive together; why get differentiating and judgmental about who is here among us? Thank God there is anyone at all.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Power of History” by Lorrie Moore, 2015
Clinging to old narratives limits openness, fuels division, and stifles surprise, while embracing shared humanity fosters unity and gratitude.
In simple terms: Holding onto past stories creates division; living together brings gratitude.
Key Takeaway
Choose openness over nostalgia.
Themes
division
gratitude
humanity
history
surprise
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- political discourse
- education
- media consumption
Key Concepts
narrative bias
collective memory
psychological rigidity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance respect for tradition with openness to new ideas?
- What surprises have you missed by living in the past?
A Different Perspective
Embracing new narratives can be unsettling and may cause loss of identity.
