"Hasta que los leones tengan sus propios historiadores, la historia de la caza siempre glorificará al cazador"

This quote gets to the heart of a pretty simple idea: whoever tells the story holds the power. If only one side gets to share their version, that version becomes the truth, whether it's fair or not.

Think about it. Throughout history, the people in power have often been the ones writing the history books. In many cases, that means the victors, the conquerors, the hunters, are the ones whose perspectives and experiences are recorded and remembered. This was especially true in ancient times but still happens today. If you’re reading a history book from the 1800s written by a colonial power about a land they conquered, you can bet it’s going to paint them in a pretty flattering light.

But let’s bring this idea to a personal level. Think about school bullies. If only the bully’s friends get to tell the story, the bully might seem like the cool kid, just having a bit of fun, right? The person being picked on—the lion in this case—doesn’t get to share how they feel, how the situation really affects them. Their pain and perspective are left out.

Here’s a vivid example. Imagine the history of American Westward expansion. For a long time, the accepted story was about brave settlers forging a new life in the wilderness. They were portrayed as heroes conquering the land. But as more historians started to include Native American perspectives, the story became much more complex—and much darker. We learned about the displacement of entire cultures, broken treaties, and brutal violence. The "hunters" had their story, but the "lions" finally got a voice.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? First, be aware of who is telling the stories you’re hearing, whether it’s in books, media, or even your social circle. Ask yourself: Are all sides represented here? Are any voices missing? Challenge yourself to seek out those missing voices. They might be harder to find, but they can completely change your understanding of an event or a person.

Let’s say you’re at work and there's a big project that failed. The team leader might say, “We failed because the team didn’t work hard enough.” But maybe if you talk to your co-workers, you’ll hear, “We didn’t get clear instructions,” or “We did our best, but the deadline was just too tight.” By listening to all sides, you get a fuller, more accurate picture.

Imagine a family dinner. Your sibling starts telling a funny story about something that happened when you were kids. It’s all laughs until you chime in, “Hey, remember, that was the day my pet hamster ran away. I was so upset!” Suddenly, the story shifts. It’s not just a funny memory anymore; it’s layered with different emotions and perspectives.

In the end, it's about empathy and understanding. Life isn’t black and white, and neither are the stories we tell. So next time you hear—or tell—a story, remember the lions. Listen for their roars, even if they’re soft and far away. You might just find the truth is richer and more complex than you ever imagined.