It is often said to be happy, one must live in the present. There is something to that, as the anxiety of yesterday and tomorrow can distract us from what’s most important.

But it’s not always true. Yesterday still offers something, a chance to learn; that’s why we study history.

 

“I’m glad you used the term ‘theory,’ because the belief that there is any scarcity of opportunities in a country such as ours is nothing but pure theory. The truth is this: We have more opportunities in America, for the making of fortunes in return for useful service than in all other countries combined…”

“…Don’t you see that our only lack is going to be a shortage of imagination, self-reliance, and initiative which will be needed to man the future of this country…”

_Andrew Carnegie_ c.1950

 

It’s incredible what can change in sixty-five years. And it’s incredible what doesn’t.