The Myth of Historical Objectivity

The myth of historical objectivity is the idea that historians can present facts completely free of personal bias or perspective. In reality, all history is shaped by choices about which sources to trust, what events to emphasize, and how to interpret evidence. These decisions are influenced by the historian’s background, culture, and values. Recognizing this doesn't mean history isn't valuable, but it highlights that history is always a perspective shaped by human choices. Therefore, history is best understood as a well-informed viewpoint rather than an absolute, objective truth.