"تاریخ گزارشی است که عمدتا نادرست، از رویدادهای بی اهمیت، که توسط حاکمان عمدتا رذل و سربازان عمدتا احمق به وجود آمده است"

This quote suggests that history, as it is often recorded and retold, isn’t always accurate or significant. It implies that many historical accounts are distorted or biased, focusing on events that might not matter as much as we think, and driven by people in power who are often corrupt or foolish.

To understand where this comes from, think about when this might be relevant. Throughout history, the victors have written the history books. This means that the stories we hear are skewed by the perspectives and agendas of those in power. For example, consider the way different countries teach World War II. Each country highlights its own heroism and glosses over its mistakes or atrocities. This selective storytelling creates a version of history that’s a bit like a funhouse mirror—showing only certain angles and distorting reality.

Imagine a vivid example: the tale of Christopher Columbus discovering America. For generations, the story was that Columbus was a brave explorer who discovered the New World and brought civilization to its people. What often gets left out is the devastating impact on the indigenous populations, including exploitation and disease. The rulers of the time wanted to portray the story in a way that glorified their accomplishments and justified their actions, regardless of the human cost.

So, what’s the takeaway here? How do we use this wisdom? Start by questioning what you’re told, especially when it comes to history. If you hear a story that seems too perfect or one-sided, dig deeper. Look for multiple sources and perspectives. Be aware that everyone has a bias, and try to understand these biases to get a fuller picture.

Here’s a scenario to illustrate this: Imagine you’re in school, and you learn about a local hero who supposedly saved the town from disaster. You’re intrigued and proud, but then you find an old diary from someone who lived during that time. The diary tells a different story—one where the hero’s decisions might have actually put people at risk. Suddenly, the neat story you learned in class seems a lot more complicated. You realize that while the hero’s actions did lead to a positive outcome, they were also reckless. This doesn’t diminish the hero’s impact but rather paints a fuller, truer picture.

In practical terms, this means being curious and skeptical. When you read a news article or hear a story, think about who benefits from the way it’s told. Ask yourself if there might be another side to the story. This doesn’t mean you become cynical or distrustful of everything—it means you become a more critical thinker.

So next time you hear an amazing story about a past event, take a moment. Ask yourself: Who’s telling this story? What might their bias be? Could there be another perspective? By doing this, you’re not just learning history—you’re understanding it in all its messy, human complexity. And that deep understanding is far more valuable than any neat, simplified version.