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About this quote

What does it mean?
World history is driven primarily by the actions of influential individuals.
In plain terms
Great men make history, not just events.
What can you take from it?
Leaders shape the course of history.

Where it applies

  • historical analysis
  • biographical study
  • political science

Putting it to work

  • study leaders
  • understand influence
  • write biography

Questions to consider

  • Do individuals really change the world?
  • Who are the great men of our time?

Another view

Ordinary people also contribute significantly to history.

More from Thomas Carlyle

  1. No sadder proof can be given by a man of his own littleness than disbelief in great men.

    Permalink to quote #65

  2. We must get rid of fear.

    Permalink to quote #67

  3. The difference between Orthodoxy or Mydoxy and Heterodoxy or Thy-doxy.

    Permalink to quote #64

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