Quote by Alexis de Tocqueville
History is a gallery of pictures in which there are few originals and many copies.
Summary
This quote highlights the notion that throughout history, there are few events or individuals that can be considered truly unique or original. Instead, the majority of what we consider historical "pictures" are often imitations or copies of previous events or figures. It suggests that there is a cyclical nature to history, wherein patterns repeat themselves and ideas are often recycled or reimagined. The quote encourages us to critically examine and question what is portrayed as original in history, understanding that much of it may be influenced or derived from what came before.