"Never, never, never believe any war will be smooth and easy, or that anyone who embarks on the strange voyage can measure the tides and hurricanes he will encounter. The statesman who yields to war fever must realize that once the signal is given, he is no longer the master of policy but the slave of unforeseeable and uncontrollable events."
- Sir Winston Churchill
Do you believe that those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it? Over and over again?
I do.
Have a wonderful week everyone!
And we have a so called president who doesn't even read the newspaper! Enjoyed your blog. The poem you posted on Veterans Day was hauntingly lovely. Thanks for sharing. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteA great quote by a remarkable individual--to think that his life spanned the Crimean war to the nuclear age, it's really incredible.
ReplyDeleteDon't get me started on politics-
ReplyDeletebut I believe that as individuals, we do tend to make the same mistakes repeatedly-
Me, too. BIG time.
ReplyDeleteI believe even if you study history, you are condemned to repeat it.
ReplyDeleteYes. It has born itself out. I think the tendency is to believe that we are somehow.
ReplyDelete-punkin
I agree: do you think anyone currently in power studied history or thinks any of its lessons apply?
ReplyDeleteOne of the very best books that endeavors to teach that your point, it called, Through the Looking Glass, by Barbara Tuckman. She was a marvelous historian. I read it several times and marveled why the male leaders of countries, just don't 'get' it.
ReplyDeleteThe millions of people that could have lived ...if leaders had learned.
Definitely doomed to repeat. And definitely a quote some people should be forced to read before embarking on military actions.
ReplyDeleteWinston Churchill really has some wonderful and insightful quotes. There's one that my local classical station quoted a couple of years ago on election day - "The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter."
Sad, but so true.
very appropriate for the times. despite all the history we know, war seems so easy to get into but much much harder to get out of. i think we make the same mistakes as people and as society until we understand the true reason why we shouldn't make those choices.
ReplyDeleteThe briefest acquaintance with history proves the saying. Isn't it a shame that those in power don't seem to have even that minimal relationship with history (or reality)?
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with that quote. Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteYou would think that if history is read and studied that it wouldn't be repeated at all. But it does. And will. And for what reason? Is it because the ones making the choices don't really understand the lessons or even the question? Aaaah, my head hurts along with my heart.
ReplyDeleteThought provoking as usual my friend.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving.
Sorry I missed Saturday. I had to work. Sigh.
Maybe if they do not learn from the mistakes throughout history one is also doomed to repeat. I think generally people feel bolstered by the idea that they will do it better even if in the end they become more infamous.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your musings!