Margaret MacMillan quotes

Margaret MacMillan is a Canadian historian and author, recognized for her works on international relations and modern history. Her research focuses on war, diplomacy, and global politics, with notable books such as "Paris 1919." She is acclaimed for making complex historical subjects accessible to a wider audience. Here are 8 of her quotes:

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.

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.

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.

Margaret MacMillan

Lost golden ages can be very effective tools for motivating people in the present.

Margaret MacMillan

Histories that that show past injustices or crimes can be used to argue for redress in the present.

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.

Margaret MacMillan

Over the years, historians have tried to discern grand patterns, perhaps one grand pattern, that explain everything.

Margaret MacMillan