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. Leopold von Ranke More Quotes by Leopold von Ranke More Quotes From Leopold von Ranke To history has been assigned the office of judging the past, of instructing the present for the benefit of future ages. To such high offices this work does not aspire. It wants only to show what actually [essentially?] happened (wie es eigentlich gewesen). Leopold von Ranke office judging past It is striking how history, when resting on the memory of men, always touches the bounds of mythology. Leopold von Ranke men memories history Every generation is equidistant from God. Leopold von Ranke generations History is no criminal court Leopold von Ranke court criminals In schoolbooks and in literature we can separate ecclesiastical and political history; in the life of mankind they are intertwined. Leopold von Ranke political literature history He who overcomes himself is divine. Most see their ruin before their eyes; but they go on into it. Leopold von Ranke eye overcoming goes-on Calvin was virtually the founder of America. Leopold von Ranke founders america All ages are equidistant from eternity, and just as immediately accessible to God's presence. Leopold von Ranke gods-presence eternity age Most humans recognize their ruin, but they carry on regardless. Leopold von Ranke ruins humans
