History is not everything, but it is a starting point. History is a clock that people use to tell their political and cultural time of day. It is a compass they use to find themselves on the map of human geography. It tells them where they are but, more importantly, what they must be.

In this quote, John Henrik Clarke emphasizes the essential role that history plays in understanding identity and shaping a society’s direction. Clarke suggests that while history is not the only factor in determining the present, it serves as an important starting point. History is a tool that helps people navigate their political and cultural lives, giving them a sense of time and place. It offers both a reflection of where a society has been and a guide for where it should go.

Clarke likens history to a clock that marks the passing of time, telling people the "political and cultural time of day." In other words, history helps individuals and societies understand the context in which they live, shaping their current political and cultural realities. He then compares history to a compass, a tool that helps people orient themselves within the larger scope of human geography—the broader world of cultures and nations. History, therefore, helps individuals locate themselves on the map of the world and understand their place in the global context.

The origin of this quote reflects Clarke’s deep interest in the importance of history for marginalized groups, particularly in understanding and preserving African heritage. A prominent historian, Clarke was passionate about the role of history in shaping identity, especially for those who had been historically oppressed. His work focused on reclaiming historical narratives that had been erased or distorted, emphasizing the need for people to understand their own history in order to empower themselves.

Ultimately, Clarke’s quote serves as a call to action, urging people to recognize that history is not just a passive record of the past but an active force that shapes present and future realities. It tells individuals not only where they have come from but also what they must strive to become. By understanding history, people can gain a sense of purpose and direction, ensuring that their cultural and political goals align with the lessons of the past.