François Matarasso History, Writing

In the larger fabric of history

‘While the tower of this church […] was being built, Columbus reached the Caribbean. Stone masons climbed ladders to shape the upper windows while Leonardo da Vinci was experimenting with flying vehicles. Carpenters fitted the beams on the roof as Granada, the last Muslim stronghold in Spain, fell. To spend time there is to be reminded – in a very touching and helpful way – of how tiny our existence is in the larger fabric of history.’

Alain de Botton (2014)

A Lincolnshire Church, by W. Dodd (1949) (National Trust)
A Lincolnshire Church, by W. Dodd (1949)
(National Trust)

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