---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I think what we should do as historians…"
description: "\"I think what we should do as historians is understand. And we can have our own views about how things turned out, but I think, in making judgements, we..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eda/margaret-macmillan-5907_history_i-think-what-we-should-do-as-historians_1325230.jpg"
---

#  I think what we should do as historians is understand. And…

![“I think what we should do as historians is understand. And we can have our own views about how things turned out, but I think, in making judgements, we're getting into tricky territory.” quote by Margaret MacMillan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eda/margaret-macmillan-5907_history_i-think-what-we-should-do-as-historians_1325230.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eda/margaret-macmillan-5907_history_i-think-what-we-should-do-as-historians_1325230.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eda/margaret-macmillan-5907_history_i-think-what-we-should-do-as-historians_1325230.jpg)

> “I think what we should do as historians is understand. And we can have our own views about how things turned out, but I think, in making judgements, we're getting into tricky territory.”

[Margaret MacMillan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-macmillan/)

## 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 balance understanding past events with personal interpretation, but judgments can become contentious.

**In simple terms:** Historians should understand before judging.

Key Takeaway

Seek context before forming judgments.

Themes

history interpretation ethics

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

philosophical academic

When to use this quote

- academic research
- public discourse
- policy making
- media commentary

Key Concepts

historical analysis subjectivity bias

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you separate fact from personal bias?
- When is it appropriate to judge historical actions?

A Different Perspective

Judgments may be influenced by presentist bias.

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