--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: As the primary end of History is to…" description: "\"As the primary end of History is to record truth, impartiality, fidelity and accuracy are the fundamental qualities of an Historian.\" — Hugh Blair" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fdc/hugh-blair-27714_accuracy_as-the-primary-end-of-history-is-to-reco_1067278.png" --- # As the primary end of History is to record truth… ![“As the primary end of History is to record truth, impartiality, fidelity and accuracy are the fundamental qualities of an Historian.” quote by Hugh Blair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fdc/hugh-blair-27714_accuracy_as-the-primary-end-of-history-is-to-reco_1067278.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fdc/hugh-blair-27714_accuracy_as-the-primary-end-of-history-is-to-reco_1067278.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fdc/hugh-blair-27714_accuracy_as-the-primary-end-of-history-is-to-reco_1067278.png) > “As the primary end of History is to record truth, impartiality, fidelity and accuracy are the fundamental qualities of an Historian.” [Hugh Blair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-blair/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Historians must prioritize truth and remain unbiased, accurate, and faithful to facts. **In simple terms:** Historians need honesty and precision. Key Takeaway Be truthful and precise in recording events. Themes history truth integrity objectivity Mood reflective serious Type analytical ethical When to use this quote - academic research - documentary filmmaking - journalism - archival work Key Concepts epistemology ethical standards Questions to Reflect On - How do you verify sources? - What steps ensure impartiality? A Different Perspective Bias can unintentionally shape narratives despite intentions. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Accuracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/accuracy/) [Fidelity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fidelity/) [History](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/history/) [Impartiality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/impartiality/) [Quality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/quality/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) ## Related quotes > [“It is worth noting the qualities this historian ascribes to them: they were fearless, high-principled, deeply versed in ancient and modern political thought, astute…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barbara-w-tuchman/it-is-worth-noting-the-qualities-this-historian-ascribes-to-them-they/) [Barbara W. Tuchman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barbara-w-tuchman/) > [I think you keep two sets of books. In one set, you record the truth -- how well you are really doing. This is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/helen-gurley-brown/i-think-you-keep-two-sets-of-books-in-one-set-you-record-the-truth/) [Helen Gurley Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/helen-gurley-brown/) > [“But it is a writer's duty to write and speak and record the truth, always the truth, no matter whom may be offended.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-abbey/but-it-is-a-writer-s-duty-to-write-and-speak-and-record-the-truth/) [Edward Abbey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-abbey/) > [There is a job to be doneto record the truth. I want to wake people up!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-nachtwey/there-is-a-job-to-be-doneto-record-the-truth-i-want-to-wake-people-up/) [James Nachtwey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-nachtwey/) > [The fundamental qualities for good execution of a plan is first; intelligence; then discernment and judgment, which enable one to recognize the best method…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ferdinand-foch/the-fundamental-qualities-for-good-execution-of-a-plan-is-first-2/) [Ferdinand Foch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ferdinand-foch/) > [Temporary success can be achieved in spite of lack of other fundamental qualities, but no advancements can be maintained without hard work.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-feather/temporary-success-can-be-achieved-in-spite-of-lack-of-other/) [William Feather](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-feather/) > [There are five fundamental qualities that make every team great: communication, trust, collective responsibility, caring and pride. I like to think of each as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-krzyzewski/there-are-five-fundamental-qualities-that-make-every-team-great/) [Mike Krzyzewski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-krzyzewski/) > [The fundamental qualities for good execution of a plan is first; intelligence; then discernment and judgment, which enable one to recognize the best method…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-fundamental-qualities-for-good-execution-of-a-plan-is-first/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [In reasoning upon moral subjects, we have great occasion for candor, in order to compare circumstances, and weigh arguments with impartiality.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nathanael-emmons/in-reasoning-upon-moral-subjects-we-have-great-occasion-for-candor-in/) [Nathanael Emmons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nathanael-emmons/) > [My guiding principle will be justice and complete impartiality, and I am sure that with your support and co-operation, I can look forward to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/muhammad-ali-jinnah/my-guiding-principle-will-be-justice-and-complete-impartiality-and-i/) [Muhammad Ali Jinnah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/muhammad-ali-jinnah/) > [Protestations of impartiality I shall make none. Theyare always useless and are besides perfect nonsense, when used bya news-monger.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-cobbett/protestations-of-impartiality-i-shall-make-none-theyare-always/) [William Cobbett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-cobbett/) > [Our impartiality is kept for abstract merit and demerit, which none of us ever saw.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-eliot/our-impartiality-is-kept-for-abstract-merit-and-demerit-which-none-of/) [George Eliot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-eliot/) > [The job of a judge is to figure out what the law says, not what he wants it to say. There is a difference…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/clarence-thomas/the-job-of-a-judge-is-to-figure-out-what-the-law-says-not-what-he/) [Clarence Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/clarence-thomas/) > [I know some people believe impartiality is key, and it's necessary in some situations, but in others - if something is so fundamentally wrong,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stacey-dooley/i-know-some-people-believe-impartiality-is-key-and-it-s-necessary-in/) [Stacey Dooley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stacey-dooley/) > [“A good judge is not one who is impartial, but one who has prejudice for good.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/raheel-farooq/a-good-judge-is-not-one-who-is-impartial-but-one-who-has-prejudice/) [Raheel Farooq](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/raheel-farooq/) ## More by Hugh Blair > [We ought never to sport with pain and distress in any of our amusements, or treat even the meanest insect with wanton cruelty.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-blair/we-ought-never-to-sport-with-pain-and-distress-in-any-of-our/) [Hugh Blair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-blair/) > [Compassion is an emotion of which we ought never to be ashamed. Graceful, particularly in youth, is the tear of sympathy, and the heart…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-blair/compassion-is-an-emotion-of-which-we-ought-never-to-be-ashamed/) [Hugh Blair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-blair/) > [What ever purifies the heart also fortifies it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-blair/what-ever-purifies-the-heart-also-fortifies-it/) [Hugh Blair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-blair/) > [Only mediocrity of enjoyment is allowed to man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-blair/only-mediocrity-of-enjoyment-is-allowed-to-man/) [Hugh Blair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-blair/) > [To exult over the miseries of an unhappy creature is inhuman.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-blair/to-exult-over-the-miseries-of-an-unhappy-creature-is-inhuman/) [Hugh Blair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-blair/) > [It is pride which fills the world with so much harshness and severity. We are rigorous to offenses as if we had never offended.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-blair/it-is-pride-which-fills-the-world-with-so-much-harshness-and-severity/) [Hugh Blair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-blair/) > [Exercise is the chief source of improvement in our faculties.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-blair/exercise-is-the-chief-source-of-improvement-in-our-faculties/) [Hugh Blair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-blair/) > [Nothing leads more directly to the breach of charity, and to the injury and molestation of our fellow-creatures, than the indulgence of an ill…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-blair/nothing-leads-more-directly-to-the-breach-of-charity-and-to-the/) [Hugh Blair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-blair/) > [Nothing, except what flows from the heart, can render even external manners truly pleasing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-blair/nothing-except-what-flows-from-the-heart-can-render-even-external/) [Hugh Blair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-blair/) > [In the eye of that Supreme Being to whom our whole internal frame is uncovered, dispositions hold the place of actions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-blair/in-the-eye-of-that-supreme-being-to-whom-our-whole-internal-frame-is/) [Hugh Blair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-blair/) > [Worry not about the possible troubles of the future; for if they come, you are but anticipating and adding to their weight; and if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-blair/worry-not-about-the-possible-troubles-of-the-future-for-if-they-come/) [Hugh Blair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-blair/) > [Gentleness corrects whatever is offensive in our manner.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-blair/gentleness-corrects-whatever-is-offensive-in-our-manner/) [Hugh Blair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-blair/) > [Taste consists in the power of judging; genius in the power of executing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-blair/taste-consists-in-the-power-of-judging-genius-in-the-power-of/) [Hugh Blair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-blair/) > [Those who are learning to compose and arrange their sentences with accuracy and order are learning, at the same time, to think with accuracy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-blair/those-who-are-learning-to-compose-and-arrange-their-sentences-with/) [Hugh Blair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-blair/) > [Human ability is an unequal match for the violent and unforeseen vicissitudes of the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-blair/human-ability-is-an-unequal-match-for-the-violent-and-unforeseen/) [Hugh Blair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-blair/) [Explore all 20 Hugh Blair quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-blair/) ## More Accuracy quotes > [Talented people can predict with great accuracy what's about to happen just a tiny bit ahead of their competitors. 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In hardware if you screw it up you are dead. So accuracy really…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/reid-hoffman/in-software-speed-to-market-speed-to-learning-is-really-key-in/) [Reid Hoffman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/reid-hoffman/) > [Lawyers tend to be bright people. They tend to be-much more than many journalists I've encountered-sticklers for detail and accuracy, and they have a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ann-coulter/lawyers-tend-to-be-bright-people-they-tend-to-be-much-more-than-many/) [Ann Coulter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ann-coulter/) > [There's a simplicity in typography that demands absolute accuracy... the only way you can experience it is by doing it, and you can't do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruno-maag/there-s-a-simplicity-in-typography-that-demands-absolute-accuracy-the/) Bruno Maag > [“The only thing that words can do with any real precision or accuracy is hang together. Accuracy of description in language is not possible…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/northrop-frye/the-only-thing-that-words-can-do-with-any-real-precision-or-accuracy/) [Northrop Frye](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/northrop-frye/) > [Am I accurately reporting what I see in such a blossom? The answer is no ... and yes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/allen-lacy/am-i-accurately-reporting-what-i-see-in-such-a-blossom-the-answer-is/) [Allen Lacy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/allen-lacy/) > [Only by being suspended aloft, by dangling my mind in the heavens and mingling my rare thought with the ethereal air, could I ever…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aristophanes/only-by-being-suspended-aloft-by-dangling-my-mind-in-the-heavens-and/) [Aristophanes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aristophanes/) > [Without much accuracy, with strangely little love at all, your family will decide for you exactly who you are, and they'll keep nudging, coaxing,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/allan-gurganus/without-much-accuracy-with-strangely-little-love-at-all-your-family/) [Allan Gurganus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/allan-gurganus/) > [The federal government is starting to plan for climate change by making extended forecasts that can help people plan for extreme weather - because…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jimmy-fallon/the-federal-government-is-starting-to-plan-for-climate-change-by/) [Jimmy Fallon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jimmy-fallon/) > [Nobody sees reality whole; we all need others to show us the parts of it that they see better than we do. Nobody sees…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-b-smedes/nobody-sees-reality-whole-we-all-need-others-to-show-us-the-parts-of/) [Lewis B. Smedes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-b-smedes/) > [The state of empathy, or being empathic, is to perceive the internal frame of reference of another with accuracy and with the emotional components…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carl-rogers/the-state-of-empathy-or-being-empathic-is-to-perceive-the-internal/) [Carl Rogers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-rogers/) > [What we have learned is that Roland-Jones is a very promising prospect. Because of the way he bowls, he will not blow batsmen away,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-agnew/what-we-have-learned-is-that-roland-jones-is-a-very-promising/) [Jonathan Agnew](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-agnew/) [Browse all 388 Accuracy quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/accuracy/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "As the primary end of History is to record truth, impartiality, fidelity and accuracy are the fundamental qualities of an Historian.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Hugh Blair" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-blair/as-the-primary-end-of-history-is-to-record-truth-impartiality/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Accuracy" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-blair/as-the-primary-end-of-history-is-to-record-truth-impartiality/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fdc/hugh-blair-27714_accuracy_as-the-primary-end-of-history-is-to-reco_1067278.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fdc/hugh-blair-27714_accuracy_as-the-primary-end-of-history-is-to-reco_1067278.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fdc/hugh-blair-27714_accuracy_as-the-primary-end-of-history-is-to-reco_1067278.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“As the primary end of History is to record truth, impartiality, fidelity and accuracy are the fundamental…” — Hugh Blair", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Hugh Blair", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-blair/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "As the primary end of History...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-blair/as-the-primary-end-of-history-is-to-record-truth-impartiality/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-blair/as-the-primary-end-of-history-is-to-record-truth-impartiality/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```