Skip to content

History Quote by Mark S. Smith

“(So T. S. Eliot’s helpful reminder from “Gerontion”: “History has many cunning passages, contrived corridors / And issues, deceives with whispering ambitions, / Guides us by vanities.”)” quote by Mark S. Smith
Download Open image
““(So T. S. Eliot’s helpful reminder from “Gerontion”: “History has many cunning passages, contrived corridors / And issues, deceives with whispering ambitions, / Guides us by vanities.”)””

Mark S. Smith

About This Quote

Source Essay: Literary Analysis, 2015

He cites Eliot’s line about history’s deceptive paths and vanity‑driven guidance.

In simple terms: History can mislead through subtle ambitions.

Key Takeaway

Question narratives and hidden motives.

Themes

history deception vanity

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • historical research
  • political strategy
  • personal decision making

Key Concepts

critical analysis literary criticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you identify genuine motives?
  • What role does vanity play in decisions?
A Different Perspective

Complex to discern truth from subtle cues.

4.6 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Mark S. Smith

Explore all 3 Mark S. Smith quotes

More History quotes

Browse all 27,264 History quotes