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About this quote

What does it mean?
Twain observes history does not repeat exactly but follows similar patterns.
In plain terms
History changes but looks similar over time.
What can you take from it?
Study past patterns to understand current events.

Where it applies

  • policy making
  • market analysis
  • social trends

Putting it to work

  • study precedents
  • look for patterns
  • learn from past

Questions to consider

  • What repeats in life?
  • How does history help you?

Another view

Similarities in history can be overstated without deep context.

More from Mark Twain

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  2. Humor must not professedly teach, and it must not professedly preach, but it must do both if it would live forever.

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  3. Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.

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