There are two kinds of man: the ones who make history and the ones who endure it.

The quote by Camilo José Cela divides humanity into two categories: those who make history and those who endure it. By this, he suggests that some individuals actively shape the course of events through their actions, decisions, and influence, while others simply live through history’s consequences without having much control over them. It highlights the unequal distribution of agency and power in society.

Those who make history are the leaders, innovators, and disruptors—the people whose choices alter the trajectory of nations or cultures. On the other hand, those who endure history represent the vast majority, who experience and bear the weight of these changes, often without the ability to resist or redirect them. Cela’s distinction captures the tension between historical actors and historical subjects.

The deeper meaning of the quote lies in its reflection on human existence and fate. While many people aspire to leave a mark on history, Cela reminds us that most will live as witnesses or victims of events they did not create. At the same time, the quote carries a tone of realism—even resignation—about the way power and influence are concentrated in the hands of a few, while the rest must adapt to their consequences.

The origin of this quote comes from Camilo José Cela, the Spanish novelist, essayist, and Nobel Prize laureate in Literature (1989). Known for his stark and often critical portrayals of Spanish society, especially in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, Cela often reflected on the themes of human struggle, endurance, and the forces of history. This quote captures his worldview: that life is shaped by history, but only a small minority has the ability to create it, while the majority must endure its weight.