What is history?

          The job of the historian has always been challenging. Determining what constitutes a historical fact – as well as choosing the facts relevant to the situation - is far from easy. But in the words of E. H. Carr, praising a historian for getting the facts right is like ‘praising an architect for using well seasoned timber in his building – a necessary condition of his work, but not its essential function’.

           Facts no longer speak for themselves. Anybody can rearrange them to align with a certain viewpoint. It is the historian who decides what facts to present and in what context. The power of selection rests with him, and so his position is one of great responsibility.

           As a subject, history has blind spots. For example, we might deduce facts about a certain civilization’s attitudes from the records of that time. But if only members of that civilization wrote these records, we are only enjoying one perspective of the situation, and receiving only those facts that they considered important. Similarly, diaries, letters and documents may not be reliable sources for the historian. They are written and edited from the perspective of particular individuals who may choose to ignore some facts and retain others. They may even embellish or invent details to present a certain worldview.

            Unlike the historians of the twentieth century who rarely questioned their facts or the meaning of history, historians today seek a greater understanding of the nature of their subject. However, questioning historical facts - and accepting that there are no historical truths - does not mean that just any interpretation will suffice. History is not purely subjective. But it is undoubtedly meaningful for anyone who wants to understand the world we live in. As a reminder of the mistakes of our past and a guide to the complexities of our present, it serves a dual purpose. As Henry Buckle said, ‘There will always be a connection between the way men contemplate the past and the way they contemplate the present.’