Governments have never learned anything from history, or acted on principles deducted from it.

World history is a court of judgment.

(History) The progress of the consciousness of freedom

The history of the world is none other than the progress of the consciousness of freedom.

The first glance at History convinces us that the actions of men proceed from their needs, their passions, their characters and talents; and impresses us with the belief that such needs, passions and interests are the sole spring of actions

What experience and history teaches us is that people and governments have never learned anything from history, or acted on principles deduced from it