Too rigid specialization is almost as bad for a historian's mind, and for his ultimate reputation, as too early an indulgence in broad generalization and synthesis.

If the American Revolution had produced nothing but the Declaration of Independence, it would have been worthwhile.

He [Columbus] enjoyed long stretches of pure delight such as only a seaman may know, and moments of high, proud exultation that only a discoverer can experience.

Dream dreams and write them aye, but live them first.

A few hints as to the craft may be useful to budding historians. First and foremost, get writing!

Historical methodology, as I see it, is a product of common sense applied to circumstances.

Skepticism is an important historical tool. It is the starting point of all revision of hitherto accepted history.

An historian should yield himself to his subject, become immersed in the place and period of his choice, standing apart from it now and then for a fresh view.

The cruel policy initiated by Columbus and pursued by his successors resulted in complete genocide.

America was named after a man who discovered no part of the New World. History is like that, very chancy.

No big modern war has been won without preponderant sea power; and, conversely, very few rebellions of maritime provinces have succeeded without acquiring sea power.

Very few of us relate to what it's like to be a hero. But everyone understands what it's like to fail.

In America, the system itself of democracy is being threatened.

And marking off time struck me as something like counting empty spaces—spaces you know can't ever be filled.

I try to take large, general questions that are difficult to resolve and break them down into small, very specific questions that have clear answers.

From a personal point of view, I'd like to interview my great-grandparents because I barely knew them, and I know next to nothing about my family beyond 100 years.

you must be ready to burn yourself in your own flame; how could you rise anew if you have not first become ashes?

There are always decades that interest people. For me, that's the Roaring Twenties.

In the gap between thoughts nonconceptual wisdom shines continuously.

It is difficult for people of advanced years to start remembering they must die. It is best to form the habit while young.

But the gray and the cold are haunted by a beauty akin to pain, by a sense of a something wanted that never will come again.