Margaret MacMillan quotes

History does not produce definitive answers for all time. It is a process. (Margaret MacMillan)
Dictators, perhaps because they know their own lies so well, have usually realised the power of history. Consequently, they have tried to re-write, deny, or destroy the past. View quote
Margaret MacMillan
We have to be careful to cast our gaze as widely as possible. If we only look for the lessons that reinforce decisions we have already made, we will run into trouble. View quote
Margaret MacMillan
Nationalism brought Germany and Italy into being, destroyed Austrio-Hungary, and, more recently, broke apart Yugoslavia. People have suffered and died, and have harmed and killed others, for their 'nation. View quote
Margaret MacMillan
Lost golden ages can be very effective tools for motivating people in the present. View quote
Margaret MacMillan
Histories that that show past injustices or crimes can be used to argue for redress in the present. View quote
Margaret MacMillan
If history is the judge to which we appeal, then it can also find against us. It can highlight our mistakes by reminding us of those who, at other times, faced similar problems but who made different, perhaps better decisions. View quote
Margaret MacMillan
Over the years, historians have tried to discern grand patterns, perhaps one grand pattern, that explain everything. View quote
Margaret MacMillan