The Active Art of Learning from History

Crucially, learning from the past requires the cultivation of Historical Empathy—the ability to imaginatively step into the shoes of those who lived in different circumstances, without condoning their actions or abandoning one's own moral framework. This intellectual exercise allows us to understand the agonizing choices faced by leaders, the daily struggles of ordinary people, and the often contradictory motivations driving historical change. By seeing humanity reflected across time, we gain compassion and a deeper recognition of shared vulnerability and resilience, rather than simply labeling past figures as heroes or villains.