Sunday, November 18, 2018
Ancient History
Thomas Jefferson, letter to William Duane (April 4, 1813):
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It is true that I am tired of practical politics, and happier while reading the history of antient, than of modern times....I turn from the contemplation with loathing, and take refuge in the histories of other times, where if they also furnished their Tarquins, their Catilines & Caligulas, their stories are handed to us under the brand of a Livy, a Sallust and a Tacitus, and we are comforted with the reflection that the condemnation of all succeeding generations has confirmed the censures of the historian, and consigned their memories to everlasting infamy, a solace we cannot have with the Georges & Napoleons, but by anticipation.
