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About this quote

What does it mean?
The current era is too foolish to critically examine history, which serves as a relief.
In plain terms
Now is too stupid to question the past, which is good.
What can you take from it?
Ignorance of history can make the present feel safer.

Where it applies

  • social commentary
  • political critique
  • historical analysis

Putting it to work

  • reflecting on society
  • analyzing current events
  • discussing history

Questions to consider

  • Is the present ignorant of the past?
  • Does ignorance protect us?

Another view

The quote generalizes the present as incapable of critical thought.

More from H. P. Lovecraft

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  3. The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.

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