How can we judge fairly of the characters and merits of men, of the wisdom or folly of actions, unless we have. .. an accurate knowledge of all particulars, so that we may live as it were in the times, and among the persons, of whom we read, see with their eyes, and reason and decide on their premises? William Wilberforce
About This Quote

This quote speaks to the need for accurate history and history writing. While we can gain an idea of the past from what we know of it, we cannot truly judge or understand it until we understand it in all of its details. The more we learn about the historical figures and events, the better our understanding is.

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More Quotes By William Wilberforce
  1. You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.

  2. We can scarcely indeed look into any part of the sacred volume without meeting abundant proofs, that it is the religion of the Affections which God particularly requires. Love, Zeal, Gratitude, Joy, Hope, Trust, are each of them specified; and are not allowed to us...

  3. We have different forms assigned to us in the school of life, different gifts imparted. All is not attractive that is good. Iron is useful, though it does not sparkle like the diamond. Gold has not the fragrance of a flower. So different persons have...

  4. Is it not the great end of religion, and, in particular, the glory of Christianity, to extinguish the malignant passions; to curb the violence, to control the appetites, and to smooth the asperities of man; to make us compassionate and kind, and forgiving one to...

  5. No man, ever indulged more freely or happily in that playful facetiousness which gratifies all without wounding any.

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