Douglas Southall Freeman Quotes

Powerful Douglas Southall Freeman for Daily Growth

About Douglas Southall Freeman

Douglas Southall Freeman (August 30, 1886 – June 11, 1953) was an influential American historian, biographer, and editor, best known for his acclaimed four-volume biography of George Washington. Born in Lynchburg, Virginia, he grew up in a family with deep roots in the region's history. His father, William E. Freeman, was a prominent businessman and politician who served as governor of Virginia from 1906 to 1909. Freeman attended the University of Virginia but did not graduate. Instead, he left college to pursue journalism, working for several newspapers in Virginia and Washington D.C. During this time, he developed a keen interest in history and began researching and writing about historical figures such as Robert E. Lee and Thomas Jefferson. In 1926, Freeman published his first major work, "Lee's Lieutenants: A Study in Command," a comprehensive analysis of the Confederate generals who served under General Robert E. Lee during the American Civil War. This book established him as one of the leading historians of his time and laid the groundwork for his most famous work. From 1931 to 1948, Freeman wrote a four-volume biography of George Washington titled "George Washington: A Biography." The work is considered a classic in American historical literature and is renowned for its depth, scholarship, and compelling narrative style. Throughout his career, Freeman's works reflected his deep appreciation for the South, its history, and its people. He died in 1953 at the age of 66, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of America's most important historians. His biography of George Washington continues to be widely read and respected today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"History is not the past. It is the present. We carry with us the great voices, the mighty actions, the key emotions of our yesterdays into our todays."

This quote suggests that history does not solely reside in the distant past; rather, it continues to live and influence the present day. Our experiences, decisions, and even our identity are shaped by historical events and figures. The knowledge, lessons, and values we inherit from the past are carried forward into our current lives, making history an integral part of who we are as individuals and as a society.

"The real glory is being knocked to your knees and then coming back. That's real glory. That's the essence of it."

This quote emphasizes resilience, grit, and the strength inherent in overcoming adversity. The "real glory" Freeman speaks of isn't merely triumphing without challenge, but rather recovering from hardship and rising again. It signifies an individual's determination to not just survive, but thrive amidst life's trials, embodying the essence of true character and growth.

"A great man does not wait but is prepared."

This quote emphasizes that a great person is not idle, waiting for opportunities to come their way, but instead actively prepares themselves for potential situations or challenges. Being prepared implies having the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources at hand to seize any opportunity that arises, demonstrating readiness, resilience, and a proactive approach to life. In essence, it encourages one to always be ready for greatness by consistently working on oneself and cultivating personal growth.

"It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known."

This quote by Douglas Southall Freeman expresses the sense of peace and fulfillment one might feel when making a significant or difficult decision, especially in the context of death. It suggests that the person is about to embark on a rest (death) that surpasses anything they have experienced before, while their actions (implying life choices, contributions, etc.) were of greater value than any they had made previously. Essentially, it communicates a deep sense of contentment and pride in their past deeds and the anticipation of an even better future, symbolized by death or transition.

"We are the living, the quick and the dead. We are descendants of those who came before us, and we are ancestors of those who will come after us."

This quote emphasizes the interconnectedness of generations. The "living, the quick, and the dead" refers to everyone alive now (the living), people currently on earth but not yet born (the quick), and deceased ancestors (the dead). It suggests that we are all part of a continuous chain, with our lives being shaped by those who came before us and influencing those who will come after. This quote underscores the importance of understanding our history and respecting our ancestors while also acknowledging our responsibility to shape the future for upcoming generations.

I would say that the study of history is that which gives man the greatest optimism, for if man were not destined by his Maker to go on until the Kingdom of Heaven is attained, man would have been extinguished long ago by reason of all man's mistakes and frailties.

- Douglas Southall Freeman

Reason, Study, Been, Extinguished

The incurably suspicious Arthur Lee, youngest brother of Richard Henry, was of opinion that what others termed 'errors' in the Constitution were a deliberate scheme to create an oligarchy.

- Douglas Southall Freeman

Arthur, Richard, Oligarchy, Errors

'Tis not too late to seek a newer world.

- Douglas Southall Freeman

World, Late, Too Late, Tis

Character is the starting point from which we go on. When I say a man has character, I mean that when you go to that man and say, 'What are the facts in this case?' he will tell you the truth, justly, truly, and wisely as he knows, with the minimum of exhibitionism and the maximum of devotion to the common cause.

- Douglas Southall Freeman

Tell, Cause, Common Cause, Wisely

Patrick Henry aligned himself against ratification. So did Richard Henry Lee.

- Douglas Southall Freeman

Himself, Richard, Henry, Aligned

Character is the essence of all that a man has seen in life and regards as high and exalted. Character is like truth: the substance of the things that a man has forgotten but the substance of the things that are worth remembering in life.

- Douglas Southall Freeman

Substance, Like, Essence, Regards

What is character? It is that quality of man which is going to make a man, in an hour of strain, do the just and, if possible, the generous thing.

- Douglas Southall Freeman

Going, Strain, Which, Generous

Character is that quality of mind which makes truth-telling instinctive rather than strange.

- Douglas Southall Freeman

Character, Mind, Which, Quality

Man was made to be immortal; else, he could not survive being the fool he is.

- Douglas Southall Freeman

Survive, Made, Else, Fool

Time alone is irreplaceable. Waste it not.

- Douglas Southall Freeman

Time, Alone, Waste, Irreplaceable

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