Historians Quote by Miguel de Cervantes
““So it appears to me, for when he could and should have wielded his pen to praise the virtues of so good a knight, it seems he intentionally passes over them in silence, since historians must and ought to be exact, truthful, and absolutely free of passions, for neither interest, fear, rancor, nor affection should make them deviate from the path of the truth, whose mother is history, the rival of time, repository of great deeds, witness to the past, example and adviser to the present, and forewarning to the future.””
About This Quote
The author critiques historians who, despite the power to celebrate heroic figures, remain silent to maintain an unattainable objectivity, arguing that true history must be factual yet free from personal bias, serving as a timeless guide.
In simple terms: Historians should balance factual rigor with moral insight.
Key Takeaway
Objectivity can mute moral truth.
Themes
history
objectivity
bias
truth
morality
narrative
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
critical
historical
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- public discourse
- museum curation
- media reporting
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
historical accuracy
ethical responsibility
narrative silence
Practical Applications
- critical historiography
- ethical journalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can historians acknowledge bias without compromising credibility?
- What role should moral evaluation play in historical scholarship?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that complete objectivity is impossible and that acknowledging bias can lead to more honest histories.
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