[T]he Present is the living sum-total of the whole Past. – Thomas Carlyle, Characteristics

Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history. – Carter G. Woodson

Indeed, history is nothing more than a tableau of crimes and misfortunes. – Voltaire

In the tumult of men and events, solitude was my temptation now it is my friend. What other satisfaction can be sought once you have confronted History? – Charles de Gaulle