The more extensive a man's knowledge of what has been done, the greater will be his power of knowing what to do.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Studying history and past actions improves decision-making in the present.
- In plain terms
- Knowing what others have done helps you know what to do.
- What can you take from it?
- Study the past to make better choices now.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How much history is enough to act wisely?
- Can experience ever mislead?
Another view
Past solutions may not apply to new contexts without adaptation.
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