America Quote by Samuel Eliot Morison
“America was discovered accidentally by a great seaman who was looking for something else; when discovered it was not wanted; and most of the exploration for the next fifty years was done in the hope of getting through or around it. America was named after a man who discovered no part of the New World. History is like that, very chancy.”
About This Quote
Historical discovery is portrayed as accidental and often unwanted, with subsequent exploration driven by pragmatic needs rather than curiosity, highlighting the contingent nature of history.
In simple terms: History unfolds by chance and practical motives.
Key Takeaway
History is shaped by accident and utility.
Themes
history
exploration
chance
pragmatism
naming
Mood
reflective
skeptical
Type
historical analysis
philosophical
When to use this quote
- colonial settlement narratives
- scientific discovery stories
- policy decisions based on past precedents
Key Concepts
contingency
interpretation of events
Practical Applications
- Question assumptions about intentionality in history
- Seek multiple perspectives on discovery
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we differentiate chance from intention in history?
- What narratives are reinforced by naming places?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on accident may downplay intentional agency and cultural impacts.
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![“A tough but nervous, tenacious but restless race [the Yankees]; materially ambitious, yet prone to introspection, and subject to waves of religious emotion. . . . A race whose typical member is eternally torn between a passion for righteousness and a desire to get on in the world.” quote by Samuel Eliot Morison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c02/samuel-eliot-morison-27265_ambitious_a-tough-but-nervous-tenacious-but-restle_714672.jpg)
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
