Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction is set for possible improvement: and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- True progress depends on remembering and building upon past experiences, or societies will remain stagnant and repeat their errors.
- In plain terms
- Progress comes from learning the past not just changing things.
- What can you take from it?
- Remember the past to avoid repeating mistakes and ensure progress.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What drives progress?
- How do we learn from history?
Another view
Strict adherence to the past can sometimes prevent necessary and radical improvements.
More from George Santayana
Fanaticism consists in redoubling your efforts when you have forgotten your aim.
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Permalink to quote #13
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