--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I wanted to write history rather than…" description: "\"I wanted to write history rather than participate in it.\" — Samir Nasri" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cf0/samir-nasri-5240_history_i-wanted-to-write-history-rather-than-pa_1012326.jpg" --- # I wanted to write history rather than participate in it. ![“I wanted to write history rather than participate in it.” quote by Samir Nasri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cf0/samir-nasri-5240_history_i-wanted-to-write-history-rather-than-pa_1012326.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cf0/samir-nasri-5240_history_i-wanted-to-write-history-rather-than-pa_1012326.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cf0/samir-nasri-5240_history_i-wanted-to-write-history-rather-than-pa_1012326.jpg) > “I wanted to write history rather than participate in it.” [Samir Nasri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samir-nasri/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Desires to shape events through writing rather than merely observing them. **In simple terms:** Prefers creating history over watching it. Key Takeaway Take active role in shaping outcomes. Themes agency legacy creative influence Mood inspirational thought‑provoking Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - leadership - writing - activism - project initiation Key Concepts authorship historical impact personal ambition Questions to Reflect On - How can you turn ideas into tangible change? - What role does storytelling play in influencing events? A Different Perspective Writing alone may not change reality without action. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [History](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/history/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [I always wanted to write a history of Jerusalem.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-sebag-montefiore/i-always-wanted-to-write-a-history-of-jerusalem/) [Simon Sebag Montefiore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-sebag-montefiore/) > [I worked hard at my four-year M.A., but got a 2.1. That was a big disappointment, as I wanted to write about history and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saul-david/i-worked-hard-at-my-four-year-m-a-but-got-a-2-1-that-was-a-big/) [Saul David](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/saul-david/) > [If you wanted to, you could write history in Haiku.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/h-w-brands/if-you-wanted-to-you-could-write-history-in-haiku/) [H. W. Brands](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/h-w-brands/) > [Those in power write the history while those who suffer write the songs.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-harte/those-in-power-write-the-history-while-those-who-suffer-write-the/) Frank Harte > [When so-called child's play turns hostile, and a child becomes a victim, it is time to act. Victims of cyberbullying do not choose to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-sanchez/when-so-called-child-s-play-turns-hostile-and-a-child-becomes-a/) [Linda Sanchez](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-sanchez/) > [I wanted to write a book about two women falling in love that wasn't hinged on tragedy or that involved some horrible identity-based misfortune.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/camille-perri/i-wanted-to-write-a-book-about-two-women-falling-in-love-that-wasn-t/) [Camille Perri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/camille-perri/) > [I should write a book. I've always wanted to write a book. I should write a book about kids who see dead people.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-noory/i-should-write-a-book-i-ve-always-wanted-to-write-a-book-i-should/) [George Noory](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-noory/) > [Great steps in human progress are made by things that don't work the way philosophy thought they should. If things always worked the way…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-kettering/great-steps-in-human-progress-are-made-by-things-that-don-t-work-the/) [Charles Kettering](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-kettering/) > [“You are the author of your own destiny; write yourself into history books.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matshona-dhliwayo/you-are-the-author-of-your-own-destiny-write-yourself-into-history/) [Matshona Dhliwayo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matshona-dhliwayo/) > [“Every woman should have a daughter to tell her stories to. Otherwise, the lessons learned are as useless as spare buttons from a discarded…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karen-white/every-woman-should-have-a-daughter-to-tell-her-stories-to-otherwise/) [Karen White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karen-white/) > [Never make enemies of anyone younger or healthier than you are. They write your history.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jacob-m-appel/never-make-enemies-of-anyone-younger-or-healthier-than-you-are-they/) [Jacob M. Appel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jacob-m-appel/) > [I have not always been wrong. History will bear me out, particularly as I shall write that history myself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/winston-churchill/i-have-not-always-been-wrong-history-will-bear-me-out-particularly-as/) [Winston Churchill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/winston-churchill/) > [ Intellectuals (in the standard sense of the term, not \[ Edward\] Said's prescriptive sense) are the people who write history. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noam-chomsky/intellectuals-in-the-standard-sense-of-the-term-not-edward-said-s/) [Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noam-chomsky/) > [I cannot understand why some people try to write a history of photography that is separated from the history of modern art.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-francois-chevrier/i-cannot-understand-why-some-people-try-to-write-a-history-of/) [Jean-Francois Chevrier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-francois-chevrier/) > [Who will dare to write a history of human goodness?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/will-durant/who-will-dare-to-write-a-history-of-human-goodness/) [Will Durant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/will-durant/) ## More by Samir Nasri > [Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, they play on a different galaxy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-nasri/messi-and-cristiano-ronaldo-they-play-on-a-different-galaxy/) [Samir Nasri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samir-nasri/) > [If starting games in a club like Manchester City and winning two titles isn't enough, too bad. I won't regret anything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-nasri/if-starting-games-in-a-club-like-manchester-city-and-winning-two/) [Samir Nasri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samir-nasri/) > [Sad to hear Paul Scholes is retiring, great player, world class player, the English Zizou.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-nasri/sad-to-hear-paul-scholes-is-retiring-great-player-world-class-player/) [Samir Nasri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samir-nasri/) > [When Manchester City came for me it was the best choice to come here.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-nasri/when-manchester-city-came-for-me-it-was-the-best-choice-to-come-here/) [Samir Nasri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samir-nasri/) > [I do not have regrets, I do not regret joining Manchester City.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-nasri/i-do-not-have-regrets-i-do-not-regret-joining-manchester-city/) [Samir Nasri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samir-nasri/) > [In December, every league has a break, but in England, it is not like this.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-nasri/in-december-every-league-has-a-break-but-in-england-it-is-not-like/) [Samir Nasri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samir-nasri/) > [I'm lucky to have a second chance. Not everyone in life has a second chance, and I do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-nasri/i-m-lucky-to-have-a-second-chance-not-everyone-in-life-has-a-second/) [Samir Nasri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samir-nasri/) > [A lot of things have changed in my life and for the best. I'm really happy about it. I'm just blessed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-nasri/a-lot-of-things-have-changed-in-my-life-and-for-the-best-i-m-really/) [Samir Nasri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samir-nasri/) > [From time to time, I'm a jerk.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-nasri/from-time-to-time-i-m-a-jerk/) [Samir Nasri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samir-nasri/) > [I made mistakes, I know, but I'm not the ugly duckling that some people seem to think.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-nasri/i-made-mistakes-i-know-but-i-m-not-the-ugly-duckling-that-some-people/) [Samir Nasri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samir-nasri/) > [I think more with my head - things are 90 per cent in your head, and everything else comes after that.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-nasri/i-think-more-with-my-head-things-are-90-per-cent-in-your-head-and/) [Samir Nasri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samir-nasri/) > [All my younger years, I was a No. 10. In the national team, I used to play No. 10, and Marseille, I used to play No. 10.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-nasri/all-my-younger-years-i-was-a-no-10-in-the-national-team-i-used-to/) [Samir Nasri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samir-nasri/) > [When you compare Arsenal and City, it's not the same. With City, I'm playing in a better team.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-nasri/when-you-compare-arsenal-and-city-it-s-not-the-same-with-city-i-m/) [Samir Nasri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samir-nasri/) > [I'd prefer it if the coach said certain things to me face to face.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-nasri/i-d-prefer-it-if-the-coach-said-certain-things-to-me-face-to-face/) [Samir Nasri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samir-nasri/) > [I like offensive, technical, and quick football - exactly in the style of Arsenal.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-nasri/i-like-offensive-technical-and-quick-football-exactly-in-the-style-of/) [Samir Nasri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samir-nasri/) [Explore all 102 Samir Nasri quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samir-nasri/) ## More History quotes > [Histories never conclude; they just pause their prose. Their stories are, if they are truthful, untidy affairs, resistant to windings-up and sortings-out. They beat…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-schama/histories-never-conclude-they-just-pause-their-prose-their-stories/) [Simon Schama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-schama/) > [It is said that history turns on small hinges. A human career, too, results from an accumulating series of decisions about large and small…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-vincent-peale/it-is-said-that-history-turns-on-small-hinges-a-human-career-too/) [Norman Vincent Peale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-vincent-peale/) > [The history of mankind interests us only as it exhibits a steady gain of truth and right, in the incessant conflict which it records…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-waldo-emerson/the-history-of-mankind-interests-us-only-as-it-exhibits-a-steady-gain/) [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) > [In the entire history of the universe, let alone in your own history, there has never been another day just like today, and there…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-buechner/in-the-entire-history-of-the-universe-let-alone-in-your-own-history/) [Frederick Buechner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-buechner/) > [The NBA is my history.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/penny-hardaway/the-nba-is-my-history/) [Penny Hardaway](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/penny-hardaway/) > [History has often showed us the strength of the forces that are unleashed by the yearning for freedom. It moved people to overcome their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/angela-merkel/history-has-often-showed-us-the-strength-of-the-forces-that-are/) [Angela Merkel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/angela-merkel/) > [We find few historians who have been diligent enough in their search for truth; it is their common method to take on trust what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-dryden/we-find-few-historians-who-have-been-diligent-enough-in-their-search/) [John Dryden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dryden/) > [What is history after all? History is facts which become lies in the end.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-cocteau/what-is-history-after-all-history-is-facts-which-become-lies-in-the/) [Jean Cocteau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-cocteau/) > [Things live and die, and then someone processes them into edible portions. This is a complete telling of the story, 'Food.' The basic plot…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-fahrenthold/things-live-and-die-and-then-someone-processes-them-into-edible/) [David Fahrenthold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-fahrenthold/) > [History is a certain way, but you just change the point of view a little bit, and you discover a whole new side of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/allison-schroeder/history-is-a-certain-way-but-you-just-change-the-point-of-view-a/) [Allison Schroeder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/allison-schroeder/) > [We're at a point in history were we have to become a part of the neighborhood of inhabited planets, like a neighborhood of a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edgar-mitchell/we-re-at-a-point-in-history-were-we-have-to-become-a-part-of-the/) [Edgar Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edgar-mitchell/) > [Today is a reality, tomorrow's a promise, and yesterday's history!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-blanks/today-is-a-reality-tomorrow-s-a-promise-and-yesterday-s-history/) [Billy Blanks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-blanks/) > [Truth be told from compulsive liars with a history/Everything must change 2nd chances are a mystery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-dash/truth-be-told-from-compulsive-liars-with-a-history-everything-must/) C-DASH > [Every army in the history of the world has always had some deserters, usually much greater than we have today, because once again every…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bryan-hilferty/every-army-in-the-history-of-the-world-has-always-had-some-deserters/) [Bryan Hilferty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bryan-hilferty/) > [“To those great geniuses now in petticoats, who shall write novels for the beloved reader's children, these men and things will be as much…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-makepeace-thackeray/to-those-great-geniuses-now-in-petticoats-who-shall-write-novels-for/) [William Makepeace Thackeray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-makepeace-thackeray/) [Browse all 27,263 History quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/history/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I wanted to write history rather than participate in it.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Samir Nasri" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-nasri/i-wanted-to-write-history-rather-than-participate-in-it/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "History" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-nasri/i-wanted-to-write-history-rather-than-participate-in-it/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cf0/samir-nasri-5240_history_i-wanted-to-write-history-rather-than-pa_1012326.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cf0/samir-nasri-5240_history_i-wanted-to-write-history-rather-than-pa_1012326.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cf0/samir-nasri-5240_history_i-wanted-to-write-history-rather-than-pa_1012326.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I wanted to write history rather than participate in it.” — Samir Nasri", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Samir Nasri", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samir-nasri/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "I wanted to write history rather...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-nasri/i-wanted-to-write-history-rather-than-participate-in-it/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samir-nasri/i-wanted-to-write-history-rather-than-participate-in-it/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```