Historians Quote by Samuel Butler
““It has been said that although God cannot alter the past, historians can --it is perhaps because they can be useful to Him in this respect that He tolerates their existence.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler, 1903
Historians can reinterpret past events to serve present purposes, even though divine power cannot change history.
In simple terms: Historians reshape the to help today.
Key Takeaway
Use history wisely for current needs.
Themes
history
purpose
interpretation
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education
- media commentary
- cultural memory
Key Concepts
theology
historical analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we ensure historical reinterpretations are ethical?
- What responsibilities do historians have to truth?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations may be biased or serve agendas.
![“I have learned more [from Balzac] than from all the professional historians, economists, and statisticians put together.” quote by Friedrich Engels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/22f/friedrich-engels-8301_balzac_i-have-learned-more-from-balzac-than-fro_62197.jpg)
