Sometimes history is rewritten by the losers to obfuscate the past. And often as not the victors write down the history correctly. We can also take in the wrong lessons from history, drawing comparison based on over simplified appearances.

Interesting quote I suppose. But like most quotes meant to provide a lesson, it portrays a useful principle with wide applications, but can not be relied on as factual in every situation.

It may also suffer from it's translation. And can be weaponized as propaganda.