Anticipate Quote by Alan Bennett
![“[talking about the Holocaust] 'But to put something in context is a step towards saying it can be understood and that it can be explained. And if it can be explained that it can be explained away.' 'But this is History. Distance yourselves. Our perspective on the past alters. Looking back…” quote by Alan Bennett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c9b/alan-bennett-1922_anticipate_talking-about-the-holocaust-but-to-put-s_2973981.jpg)
“[talking about the Holocaust] 'But to put something in context is a step towards saying it can be understood and that it can be explained. And if it can be explained that it can be explained away.' 'But this is History. Distance yourselves. Our perspective on the past alters. Looking back, immediately in front of us is dead ground. We don't see it, and because we don't see it this means that there is no period so remote as the recent past. And one of the historian's jobs is to anticipate what our perspective of that period will be... even on the Holocaust.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The History Lesson, 2015
Contextualizing events can lead to rationalizing or dismissing them, especially tragic histories.
In simple terms: Context can excuse.
Key Takeaway
Beware of oversimplification.
Themes
history
interpretation
ethics
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
theatrical
historical
When to use this quote
- education curricula
- public discourse
- museum exhibits
- media analysis
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
collective memory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance context with accountability?
- When does explanation become denial?
A Different Perspective
Some contexts are necessary for understanding.
