The tapestry of history that seems so full of tragedy when viewed from the front has countless comic scenes woven into its reverse side. In truth, tragedy and comedy are the twin masks of history Рits mass appeal. РJos̩ Ortega y Gasset, Historical Reason

With copious evidence ranging from Platos haughtiness to Beethovens tirades, we may conclude that the most brilliant people of history tend to be a prickly lot. – Stephen Jay Gould

Every true history must force us to remember that the past was once as real as the present and as uncertain as the future. – George Macaulay Trevelyan, Clio, A Muse

Revolutions are not made: they come. A revolution is as natural as an oak tree. It comes out of the past; its foundations are laid far back. – Wendell Phillips, Address, Anti-Slavery Society, 1852