The value of ancient quotes lies in their enduring relevance over time, even if they seem trite or simplistic. While contemporary insights may seem complex and brilliant, they often lack longevity and may fade quickly. Understanding the enduring traits of human behavior from history can offer valuable insights for the present and the future.
This episode discusses my take on what you should pay attention to when reading history.
There’s a quote I love from writer Kelly Hayes who says, “Everything feels unprecedented when you haven’t engaged with history.”
It’s so true. History’s cast of characters changes but it’s the same movie over and over again.
To me, the point of paying attention to history is not the specific details of certain events, which are always random and never repeat; it’s the big-picture behaviors that reoccur in different eras, generations, and societies.