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About this quote

What does it mean?
Humans strive forward but are constantly pulled back by their past, illustrating the struggle against history.
In plain terms
We try to move forward but always get dragged back to the past.
What can you take from it?
The past often holds us back despite our efforts.

Where it applies

  • history
  • personal growth
  • philosophy

Putting it to work

  • reflect on history
  • overcome past
  • analyze progress

Questions to consider

  • Can you ever escape the past?
  • Is the past a burden?

Another view

It assumes the past is always a barrier rather than a guide.

More from F. Scott Fitzgerald

  1. Whenever you feel like criticizing any one... just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had.

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  2. Sometimes it is harder to deprive oneself of a pain than of a pleasure.

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  3. The idea that to make a man work you've got to hold gold in front of his eyes is a growth, not an axiom. We've done that for so long that we've forgotten there…

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