Leopold von Ranke quotes

Leopold von Ranke was a German historian, regarded as one of the founders of modern, source-based historiography. His approach emphasized the importance of primary documents and objective analysis. He transformed historical scholarship by advocating for a more scientific and impartial study of history. Here are 7 of his 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

Leopold von Ranke

Leopold von Ranke - Image
Occupation: German Historian
Born: December 21, 1795
Died: May 23, 1886
Quotes count: 7
Wikipedia: Leopold von Ranke

Related authors

Heinrich von Treitschke - thumbnail
Heinrich von Treitschke  9 
Historian
Wilhelm Dilthey - thumbnail
Wilhelm Dilthey  20 
German Historian
Marc Bloch - thumbnail
Marc Bloch  11 
French Historian
Theodor Mommsen - thumbnail
Theodor Mommsen  50 
German Historian
Jules Michelet - thumbnail
Jules Michelet  9 
French Historian
E. H. Carr  8 
English Historian
Fernand Braudel  13 
French Historian
Lucien Febvre - thumbnail
Lucien Febvre  5 
Historian
Benedetto Croce - thumbnail
Benedetto Croce  3 
Italian Philosopher
Johann Gottfried Herder - thumbnail
Johann Gottfried Herder  20 
German Philosopher