Each age tries to form its own conception of the past. Each age writes the history of the past anew with reference to the conditions uppermost in its own time.

Summary

This quote by American historian and philosopher Bernard Bailyn highlights the subjective nature of history. Bailyn suggests that every generation interprets and writes history in a way that reflects their own contemporary circumstances. The societal, cultural, and political factors prevalent at the time heavily influence how historical events are interpreted and presented. Thus, history is not a fixed or objective account, but rather a fluid narrative that changes with each era's priorities and perspectives.

Topics