A.J.P. Taylor Quotes, born Alan John Percivale Taylor on March 25, 1906, in Birkdale, England, was a British historian, journalist, and broadcaster renowned for his provocative and accessible studies of 19th- and 20th-century European diplomacy. His revisionist works, like The Origins of the Second World War (1961), challenged conventional narratives, while his The Struggle for Mastery in Europe (1954) remains a classic. Taylor’s television lectures and Manchester Guardian columns brought history to millions, blending academic rigor with wit, earning praise as “the Macaulay of our age.” =
These 15 quotes—sourced from his books, essays, and interviews—reflect his sharp insights on history, war, politics, and human nature, capturing his irreverent, thought-provoking voice until his passing in 1990.
15 A.J.P. Taylor Quotes
- “There is nothing more agreeable in life than to make peace with the Establishment—and nothing more corrupting.” (The Trouble Makers, 1957)
- “No matter what political reasons are given for war, the underlying reason is always economic.” (The Origins of the Second World War, 1961)
- “History is not another name for the past, as many people imply. It is the name for stories about the past.” (The Communist Manifesto, Introduction)
- “Freedom does not always win. This is one of the bitterest lessons of history.” (Quotes.net, n.d.)
- “Human blunders usually do more to shape history than human wickedness.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Conformity may give you a quiet life; it may even bring you a University Chair. But all change in history, all advance, comes from the nonconformists.” (The Trouble Makers, 1957)
- “The great armies, accumulated to provide security and preserve the peace, carried the nations to war by their own weight.” (The First World War, 1963)
- “Like most of those who study history, he (Napoleon III) learned from the mistakes of the past how to make new ones.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “There is nothing nicer than nodding off while reading. Going fast asleep and then being woken by the crash of the book on the floor, then saying to yourself, well it doesn’t matter much.” (Just Enough Liebling, 2005)
- “Bismarck fought ‘necessary’ wars and killed thousands, the idealists of the twentieth century fight ‘just’ wars and kill millions.” (The Struggle for Mastery in Europe, 1954)
- “In my opinion we learn nothing from history except the infinite variety of men’s behaviour.” (The Trouble Makers, 1957)
- “The crusade against Communism was even more imaginary than the specter of Communism.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “A racing tipster who only reached Hitler’s level of accuracy would not do well for his clients.” (The Origins of the Second World War, 1961)
- “No war is inevitable until it breaks out.” (The Origins of the Second World War, 1961)
- “The greatest problem about old age is the fear that it may go on too long.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
A.J.P. Taylor’s quotes crackle with sharp wit, bold skepticism, and a fearless challenge to historical narratives, inspiring us to question assumptions and embrace the complexity of human behavior. Which quote sparks your curiosity? Share it in the comments and keep Taylor’s provocative legacy alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
Email – business@mylittledesire.com
