Leopold von Ranke quotes

He who overcomes himself is divine. Most see their ruin before their eyes; but they go on into it. (Leopold von Ranke)
Every generation is equidistant from God. View quote
Leopold von Ranke
It is striking how history, when resting on the memory of men, always touches the bounds of mythology. View quote
Leopold von Ranke
You have reckoned that history ought to judge the past and to instruct the contemporary world as to the future. The present attempt does not yield to that high office. It will merely tell how it really was. View quote
Leopold von Ranke
In schoolbooks and in literature we can separate ecclesiastical and political history; in the life of mankind they are intertwined. View quote
Leopold von Ranke
History is no criminal court. View quote
Leopold von Ranke
All ages are equidistant from eternity, and just as immediately accessible to God's presence. View quote
Leopold von Ranke