History Quote by Patrik Ouředník
““Historians concluded that in the twentieth century about sixty genocides had occurred in the world, but not all of them entered historical memory. Historians said that historical memory was not part of history and memory was shifted from the historical to the psychological sphere, and this instituted a new mode of memory whereby it was no longer a question of memory of events but memory of memory.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The role of memory in historiography, date unspecified
The quote notes that many twentieth‑century genocides are forgotten, and that memory has shifted from factual history to a psychological realm, creating a “memory of memory.”
In simple terms: Historical events can be forgotten, leaving only a sense of remembering
Key Takeaway
Recognize the loss of direct historical memory
Themes
History
Memory
Genocide
Collective memory
Psychology
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
scholarly
educational
When to use this quote
- Academic research
- Museum exhibits
- Education programs
- Public remembrance
Key Concepts
Historical amnesia
Memory studies
Narrative construction
Cultural trauma
Questions to Reflect On
- Which genocides are most overlooked?
- How does “memory of memory” affect truth‑seeking?
A Different Perspective
Memory may become detached from actual events
