A. J. P. Taylor Quotes

A. J. P. Taylor was a renowned historian known for his influential writings and interpretations of modern European history. His engaging narratives and fresh perspectives challenged conventional historical narratives, provoking debates and shaping our understanding of significant historical events. Taylor's contributions to the field of history have had a profound and lasting impact.

There is nothing more agreeable in life than to make peace with the Establishment - and nothing more corrupting.

A. J. P. Taylor , Historian

Like most of those who study history, he (Napoleon III) learned from the mistakes of the past how to make new ones.

A. J. P. Taylor , Historian
Nothing is inevitable until it happens.... -A. J. P. Taylor

Nothing is inevitable until it happens.

A. J. P. Taylor , Historian
The greatest problem about old age is the fear tha... -A. J. P. Taylor

The greatest problem about old age is the fear that it may go on too long.

A. J. P. Taylor , Historian
A master of improvised speech and improvised polic... -A. J. P. Taylor

A master of improvised speech and improvised policies.

A. J. P. Taylor , Historian

He was what I often think is a dangerous thing for a statesman to be - a student of history; and like most of those who study history, he learned from the mistakes of the past how to make new ones.

A. J. P. Taylor , Historian
A racing tipster who only reached Hitler's level o... -A. J. P. Taylor

A racing tipster who only reached Hitler's level of accuracy would not do well for his clients.

A. J. P. Taylor , Historian
Human blunders usually do more to shape history th... -A. J. P. Taylor

Human blunders usually do more to shape history than human wickedness.

A. J. P. Taylor , Historian
The crusade against Communism was even more imagin... -A. J. P. Taylor

The crusade against Communism was even more imaginary than the specter of Communism.

A. J. P. Taylor , Historian

Lenin was the first to discover that capitalism 'inevitably' caused war; and he discovered this only when the First World War was already being fought. Of course he was right. Since every great state was capitalist in 1914.

A. J. P. Taylor , Historian

The great armies, accumulated to provide security and preserve the peace, carried the nations to war by their own weight.

A. J. P. Taylor , Historian
No war is inevitable until it breaks out.... -A. J. P. Taylor

No war is inevitable until it breaks out.

A. J. P. Taylor , Historian
Discovering the context

This quote asserts that the outbreak of war is not predetermined or inevitable until it actually occurs. It implies that there are opportunities and possibilities to prevent or avert conflicts before they escalate into full-fledged wars.

In my opinion, most of the great men of the past were only there for the beer - the wealth, prestige and grandeur that went with the power.

A. J. P. Taylor , Historian
No matter what political reasons are given for war... -A. J. P. Taylor

No matter what political reasons are given for war, the underlying reason is always economic.

A. J. P. Taylor , Historian

Psychoanalysts believe that the only 'normal' people are those who cause no trouble either to themselves or anyone else.

A. J. P. Taylor , Historian

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