Not knowing history is staying a child forever.

What it means

Cicero tells orators they must know the past. What happened before you were born is the context for everything you face. Learn the history of whatever you care about.

The source

"Not knowing history is staying a child forever." Cicero said it in Orator 120. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.

"Nescire autem quid ante quam natus sis acciderit, id est semper esse puerum."

Original Latin, Orator 120. Text read at thelatinlibrary.com.

Who said it

Cicero (106–43 BC). Rome's greatest orator and a consul who saved the Republic once and died defending it. He brought Greek philosophy into Latin for everyday Romans.

Questions

What does "Not knowing history is staying a child forever." mean?

Cicero tells orators they must know the past. What happened before you were born is the context for everything you face. Learn the history of whatever you care about.

Who said "Not knowing history is staying a child forever."?

Cicero (106–43 BC). Source: Orator 120.

What is the original Latin?

Nescire autem quid ante quam natus sis acciderit, id est semper esse puerum. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.

Is "Not knowing history is staying a child forever." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"Not knowing history is staying a child forever." (Cicero, Orator 120, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/not-knowing-history-is-staying-a-child-forever