"Of historic method, indeed, nothing wiser has ever been said than a word which will be found in Gibbon's youthful Essay on the Study of Literature. Facts, the young sage instructs us, are of three kinds: those which prove nothing beyond themselves, those which serve to illustrate a character or explain a motive, and those which dominate the system and move its springs."
React to this quote
More by G. M. Young
See allResonant Thoughts
"Our society is run by a managerial bureaucracy, by professional politicians; people are motivated by mass suggestion, their aim is producing more and consuming more, as purposes in themselves. All act…"
Explore Further
Related Quotes
"When writing, I often feel like I’m having an out-of-body experience in which I’m as ageless, sexless, clas…"
— Amanda Lee Koe"Of course fear does not automatically lead to courage. Injury does not necessarily lead to insight. Hardshi…"
— Eric Greitens"It is natural for a man's character and actions to be influenced by his friends and associates and for him …"
— Maimonides"If thou canst see sharp, look and judge wisely, says the philosopher."
— Marcus Aurelius"If we respond to the message of pain or disease, the demand for adaptation, we can break through to a new l…"
— Marilyn Ferguson"Targeting young people, like the tobacco industry had to keep replacing their customers who were dying with…"
— Michele Simon
