Condemned to Repeat It: The Philosopher Who Flunked Life and Other Great Lessons from History

by Wick Allison, Jeremy Adams, Gavin Hambly

This witty collection of anecdotes draws on the wisdom of the past to guide you through today's choices"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it". We all know George Santayana's famous quote, but what are the historical lessons that every business professional should keep in mind? Condemned to Repeat It puts this practical wisdom into a fast-paced, fun-to-read collection of fifty stories drawn from the battlefields, courts, and cabinets where world-changing decisions have been made. You'll learn about:
-- The only man who ever beat Hannibal (Respecting a talented opponent and studying his methods)
-- The lady pirate who ruled the sea (Negotiating through strength)
-- The emperor who kow-towed (Appearing to submit, then preparing to win)

In the tradition of Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun, tales like these delineate the qualities of effective leadership. Condemned to Repeat It offers invaluable insight into how business really works, the perfect answer to "history is bunk".

Genres: History, Humor

Hardcover

First published May 1, 1998

About the author

American magazine publisher and author.

Reviews

[Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aesop For Historians

A more than charming collection of historical vignettes and, like Aesop’s fables, summarized at the end of each with a moral for pursuing good character with a focus on decision points and leadership strategies. The stories themselves are well told and though simplified, inspiring. It’s an eclectic collection spanning eras from ancient Greece to the American Civil War, the founding of France and the travails of Byzantium, the Shoganate and Rome. Among the gems, how JFK’s MIT adviser Ithiel Pool used computerized demographic analysis in 1960 to help him win that election, the political trials of King David with regard to his 4 sons and the unusual career of hot tempered Catalina de Erauso who disguised herself as a man and set off to the New World and in search of adventure.

Interesting back stories such as these could easily be used to spice up a history class, business presentation or even a sermon. What makes the writing work is that each story weaves in a secondary and sometimes tertiary historic parallel that connects to the main thread, recapitulating the overall theme of historical repetition. A fun read. Recommended.

[Jitendra Kotai · Rating 4 out of 5]

They have hilariously linked present mistakes we generally make and shown us something from the past that gives a reference to a similar mistakes made by our Predecessors.

[Michael Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short anecdotal stories in history with a moral lesson attached to each. Aesop for adults, someone said. For the most part, very enjoyable, and I learned a few things.

[Daniela Dominguez]

DNF

[Mark · Rating 1 out of 5]

A cunning little book on historical incidents which owes more to pop culture than it does to accuracy. Its authors often cite Machiavellian axioms as "words to live by." Caution in hand, I proceeded until p. 38, where they inform us that the famous bugle call of Santa Ana at the Alamo was known as "the Diablo." WRONG. The Deguello. Of course, people who are willing to use Machiavellian axioms as parables for success are just the very same type who would condone the amoral bogosity of current world leaders.Those who don't even know the history they teach are condemned to be remembered as idiots and fools.

[Victor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. Although I may be biased as I am a huge fan of History, I think this is a great book that provides insight into everyday actions that plague people's lives. As the saying goes, An average man may learn from his mistakes, but a wise man learns from other's mistakes, and this book takes that lesson to heart. After each historical story (no more than 2-4 pages long) there's a small summary where u can apply the lesson to everyday life. Good for people who want to improve their lives or just to a quick read, it will not dissapoint.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was sometimes interesting and sometimes boring. I thought it was fun to read the little interesting snippets of world history, but didn't like the forced moral at the end of each chapter.

I'm trying to read more books from around the house. We have tons.

[Mikaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recommend this as a great bathroom reader especially if you like history. It has short lessons from history with interesting, no, I'd say fascinating, examples. The examples are embellished enough to help you envision the moment without making it untrue.

[Lafcadio · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping for more from this book, but some of the stories were ok.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book, with very insightful examples. Why this book is not more discussed is beyond comprehension for me.

[JP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting with an example about bluffing (Roman Senator against Egyptian King), the authors present a concise and enjoyable series of lessons learned from history -- usually the hard way.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of stories of historical events that repeat themselves because people refuse to learn the lessons provided by history. It is well worth reading.