If a secret history of books could be written, and the authors private thoughts and meanings noted down alongside of his story, how many insipid volumes would become interesting, and dull tales excite the reader! – William Makepeace Thackeray

Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done. – Louis D. Brandeis

[T]hat is the triumph of history – truth absolute is not at hand; the original with which to match the copy does not exist. – Jacques Barzun, Clio and the Doctors