Acting Quote by Samuel E. Morison
“In any case, his judgment and set of values, acting alone or through his assistants, determine not only what is gold and what is dross but the design of the history which he creates out of the metal. The historian decides what is significant, and what is not.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Historian’s Craft, 1965
The historian’s choices shape what is deemed valuable or worthless, constructing history’s narrative from raw events.
In simple terms: Historians decide what matters and how history is told.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the power of narrative in shaping perception.
Themes
history
power
interpretation
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
critical
academic
When to use this quote
- museum curation
- academic research
- public policy
- media reporting
Key Concepts
critical theory
narrative construction
bias
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria should guide historical significance?
- How to mitigate bias in historical narratives?
A Different Perspective
Historians may unintentionally impose personal bias.
