Ibn Khaldun
Father of sociology and historiography
Most quoted
"History is the record of human society, or world civilization; of the changes that take place in the nature of that society, such as savagery, sociability, and group solidarity; of the revolutions and uprisings by one set of people against another with the resulting kingdoms and states, with their various ranks and the different occupations and sciences to which they devote themselves; and, finally, of all the changes that occur in all these phenomena, as dictated by the nature of events."
— from Muqaddimah, 1377
"History is, in reality, no more than the record of human society, or world civilization; of the changes that take place in the nature of that society, such as savagery, sociability, and group solidarity; of the revolutions and uprisings by one set of people against another with the resulting kingdoms and states, with their various ranks and the activities that people undertake in their different occupations and sciences, and, in general, of all the transformations that society undergoes."
— from Muqaddimah
"History is the record of human society, or world civilization; of the changes that take place in the nature of that society, such as savagery, sociability, and group solidarity; of the revolutions and uprisings by one set of people against another with the resulting kingdoms and states, with their various ranks and the activities that human beings undertake in their different occupations and sciences, and, in general, of all the transformations that society undergoes."
— from Muqaddimah
All quotes by Ibn Khaldun (397)
Group feeling is the bond of nations.
Reason is the light of the intellect.
The economy thrives on trade and agriculture.
Reflection on the past brings wisdom.
Science advances through inquiry.
Rulers must serve the people.
The heart is purified by knowledge.
Civilization is a product of human effort.
Time reveals the truth of events.
Moderation in all things leads to balance.
The study of history is essential for governance.
Observation is the key to understanding nature.
Solidarity among kin ensures survival.
Philosophy seeks the causes of things.
True power lies in moral authority.
The cycle of rise and fall is inevitable.
Knowledge ennobles the soul.
Reason must guide action.
The prosperity of states depends on justice.
It should be known that history, in its inner meaning, is nothing but speculation and an attempt to get at the truth, and a precise explanation of the causes and origins of existing things, and a deep knowledge of the how and why of events.