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About this quote

What does it mean?
Relying on current advantages without learning from history is a mistake. Experience provides essential lessons for the future.
In plain terms
Do not rely only on your current advantages but learn from the past.
What can you take from it?
Learn from history to avoid repeating mistakes.

Where it applies

  • policy making
  • business strategy
  • national development

Putting it to work

  • study past failures
  • audit current advantages
  • consult historical data

Questions to consider

  • What history have I ignored?
  • How are past advantages different from current ones?

Another view

History does not always repeat itself in predictable ways.

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