Quote by Col. Thomas Aspinwall
In history, truth should be held sacred, at whatever cost . . . especially against the narrow and futile patriotism, which, instead of pressing forward in pursuit of truth, takes pride in walking backwards to cover the slightest nakedness of our forefathers.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the significance of upholding truth in the study of history, even if it comes with a high price. It critiques the limited and pointless allegiance to one's own country, which disregards the pursuit of truth in favor of preserving and justifying the actions of previous generations. The quote calls for a commitment to advancing knowledge by challenging conventional narratives, rather than clinging to a distorted sense of patriotic pride that hinders progress.