What is Historical Wisdom?

Historical Wisdom is a mental model used for better thinking and decision-making.

How do you apply Historical Wisdom?

To apply Historical Wisdom, identify situations where this framework is relevant, then use it as a lens to evaluate your options and decisions. The model is most useful when combined with other complementary mental models.

What category does Historical Wisdom fall under?

Historical Wisdom falls under the Philosophy, Law & Politics category of mental models. Other models in this category can be found on the Philosophy, Law & Politics hub page.

Why is Historical Wisdom important?

Historical Wisdom is important because it provides a structured way to think about problems that would otherwise be approached with intuition alone. Understanding this model helps you avoid common reasoning errors and make better decisions.

Historical Wisdom Mental Model…

Contents

1. Core Idea
2. How to See It
3. How to Use It
4. Founders & Leaders
5. Connected Models
6. One Key Quote
7. Summary & Further Reading

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Simple

Faster Than Normal. “Historical Wisdom Mental Model.” https://fasterthannormal.co/mental-models/historical-wisdom. Accessed 2026.

APA (7th, web)

Faster Than Normal. (2026). Historical Wisdom Mental Model. Faster Than Normal. https://fasterthannormal.co/mental-models/historical-wisdom

MLA (9th, web)

“Historical Wisdom Mental Model.” Faster Than Normal, 2026, https://fasterthannormal.co/mental-models/historical-wisdom. Accessed March 31, 2026.

Chicago (author-date, web)

Faster Than Normal. “Historical Wisdom Mental Model.” Faster Than Normal. Accessed March 31, 2026. https://fasterthannormal.co/mental-models/historical-wisdom.

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<blockquote cite="https://fasterthannormal.co/mental-models/historical-wisdom"> <p>See <a href="https://fasterthannormal.co/mental-models/historical-wisdom" rel="noopener">Historical Wisdom Mental Model</a> on Faster Than Normal.</p> </blockquote>

Historical Wisdom

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Core Idea

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