Quote by Leo Tolstoy

In historic events, the so-called great men are labels giving names to events, and like labels they have but the smallest connection with the event itself. Every act of theirs, which appears to them an act of their own will, is in an historical sense involuntary and is related to the whole course of history and predestined from eternity.

In historic events, the so-called great men are labels givin

Summary

This quote, by Karl Marx, suggests that "great men" in history are merely given labels for their involvement in significant events, but have minimal actual influence. According to Marx, their actions are predetermined by historical forces and are not truly a product of their own will. He argues that their perceived agency is an illusion, as their actions are interconnected with the broader course of history and are predetermined from the beginning. Thus, Marx minimizes the importance of individual actors in shaping historical events, placing emphasis on the underlying historical forces and circumstances that drive them.

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Greatness & Great Things

By Leo Tolstoy

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