Historical methodology, as I see it, is a product of common sense applied to circumstances. Samuel Eliot Morison More Quotes by Samuel Eliot Morison More Quotes From Samuel Eliot Morison Make no mistake; the American Revolution was not fought to obtain freedom, but to preserve the liberties that Americans already had as colonials. Independence was no conscious goal, secretly nurtured in cellar or jungle by bearded conspirators, but a reluctant last resort, to preserve "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Samuel Eliot Morison pursuit-of-happiness mistake life America was discovered accidentally by a great seaman who was looking for something else; when discovered it was not wanted; and most of the exploration for the next fifty years was done in the hope of getting through or around it. America was named after a man who discovered no part of the New World. History is like that, very chancy. Samuel Eliot Morison hope discovery men Dream dreams and write them aye, but live them first. Samuel Eliot Morison dream writing life Skepticism is an important historical tool. It is the starting point of all revision of hitherto accepted history. Samuel Eliot Morison historical important tools But sea power has never led to despotism. The nations that have enjoyed sea power even for a brief period-Athens, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, England, the United States-are those that have preserved freedom for themselves and have given it to others. Of the despotism to which unrestrained military power leads we have plenty of examples from Alexander to Mao. Samuel Eliot Morison military power sea If the American Revolution had produced nothing but the Declaration of Independence, it would have been worth while. . . . The beauty and cogency of the preamble, reaching back to remotest antiquity and forward so an indefinite future, have lifted the hearts of millions of men and will continue to do. . . . These words are more revolutionary than anything written by Robespierre, Marx, or Lenin, more explosive than the atom, a continual challenge to ourselves as well as an inspiration to the oppressed of all the world. Samuel Eliot Morison inspiration heart men If the European discovery had been delayed for a century or two, it is possible that the Aztec in Mexico or the Iroquois in North America would have established strong native states capable of adopting European war tactics and maintaining their independence to this day, as Japan kept her independence from China. Samuel Eliot Morison strong discovery war A few hints as to the craft may be useful to budding historians. First and foremost, get writing! Samuel Eliot Morison hints writing may America was named after a man who discovered no part of the New World. History is like that, very chancy. Samuel Eliot Morison men america world The cruel policy initiated by Columbus and pursued by his successors resulted in complete genocide. Samuel Eliot Morison columbus policy genocide The freedmen were not really free in 1865, nor are most of their descendants really free in 1965. Slavery was but one aspect of a race and color problem that is still far from solution here, or anywhere. In America particularly, the grapes of wrath have not yet yielded all their bitter vintage. Samuel Eliot Morison wrath color race One learns more from defeat than from victory. Samuel Eliot Morison defeat victory If the American Revolution had produced nothing but the Declaration of Independence, it would have been worthwhile. Samuel Eliot Morison independence freedom america Never, in these United States, has the brain of man conceived, or the hand of man fashioned, so perfect a thing as a clipper ship. Samuel Eliot Morison perfect men hands With honesty of purpose, balance, a respect for tradition, courage, and, above all, a philosophy of life, any young person who embraces the historical profession will find it rich in rewards and durable in satisfaction. Samuel Eliot Morison honesty courage philosophy An historian should yield himself to his subject, become immersed in the place and period of his choice, standing apart from it now and then for a fresh view. Samuel Eliot Morison yield views history No big modern war has been won without preponderant sea power; and, conversely, very few rebellions of maritime provinces have succeeded without acquiring sea power. Samuel Eliot Morison rebellion sea war The same contingencies of time and space that force a statesman or soldier to make decisions, impel the historian, though with less urgency, to make up his mind. Samuel Eliot Morison space decision soldier He [Columbus] enjoyed long stretches of pure delight such as only a seaman may know, and moments of high, proud exultation that only a discoverer can experience. Samuel Eliot Morison delight experience long Intellectual honesty is the quality that the public in free countries always has expected of historians; much more than that it does not expect, nor often get. Samuel Eliot Morison honesty intellectual country
