"La historia casi siempre la escriben los vencedores"

The core idea here is that the narrative we often read about historical events is typically shaped by those who came out on top. The winners of wars, political disputes, and other conflicts get to tell their version of the story, and this version becomes the widely accepted "truth." This means that the perspectives and experiences of the losers are often left out or minimized.

To understand why this is said, let's take a look at the historical context: Throughout history, the ones who have won battles or taken control of governments usually have the power to control the media, write books, and influence public opinion. Take the Roman Empire, for example. They conquered numerous territories and peoples, and much of what we know about those times comes from Roman writers. The stories of the defeated tribes, such as the Gauls, are less known and often portrayed in a negative light.

Now, let's look at a real-life example. Consider World War II. The Allies won, and the history books, films, and documentaries predominantly reflect the Allies' perspective. While there's no doubt that they fought against a great evil, the complexities of wartime decisions and actions from all involved aren't always fully explored. For instance, the bombing of Dresden by the Allies is a tragic event, but it gets less attention than the atrocities committed by the Axis powers. The victors' narrative highlights their heroism and often overshadows their controversial actions.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your daily life? It's about being a critical thinker. When you read about a historical event or listen to a story, try to investigate multiple perspectives. Question whether the version you're hearing is influenced by the person or group who benefitted the most. Seek out sources from different sides of the conflict or discussion, especially those who might not have been in power.

Imagine you're at a coffee shop with a friend. Your friend starts telling you about a recent debate at work where their team came out on top. They share how their ideas were clearly superior and led to a company-wide change. If you only listen to their side, you might miss out on understanding why the other team disagreed, what valid points they might have had, and how they felt about the outcome. Just because your friend "won" doesn't mean their version is the whole truth.

Here's a relatable scenario: Think back to high school, maybe you were part of a student council election. The person who won got to make decisions and influence school policies. If you only listen to their speeches and their supporters, you might believe they were the absolute best choice. But what about the students who voted for the other candidate? Their concerns and ideas might have been just as valid, yet they didn't get the same platform.

In sum, history, and stories in general, often get told by those who emerge victorious. To truly understand the full picture, we need to be curious and look beyond the surface. Challenge yourself to seek out those hidden voices and forgotten perspectives—they're out there, waiting to be heard.