The only thing new in the world is the history you don't know.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Truman suggests history repeats itself and ignorance of past events makes them seem new.
- In plain terms
- Nothing is new if you know the past.
- What can you take from it?
- Study history to recognize patterns.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What history do you know?
- How is today different?
Another view
It oversimplifies how much context actually changes.
More from Harry S. Truman
We are in a troublesome period, and some 'nonsense' as you term it - but this is a great nation with a high purpose, and we shall come to our senses and resume…
Permalink to quote #21 He's one of the few in the history of this country to run for high office talking out of both sides of his mouth at the same time and lying out of both sides.
Permalink to quote #23 I've said many a time that I think the Un-American Activities Committee in the House of Representatives was the most un-American thing in America!
Permalink to quote #20
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