Meaning: This quote by Samuel Morison, a renowned historian, addresses the importance of maintaining a balanced and objective perspective when studying and presenting historical events. Morison emphasizes that while enthusiasm for a particular historical narrative or outcome is understandable, historians must resist the temptation to skew their interpretations by presenting events as predetermined or inevitable. Instead, they should acknowledge the complexities and uncertainties inherent in historical processes, recognizing that outcomes are often the result of numerous unpredictable factors.

In essence, Morison's quote serves as a reminder that historical analysis should not succumb to overly deterministic or teleological interpretations. Historians must resist the urge to portray events as unfolding in a linear and predetermined fashion, as this oversimplification can distort the nuanced and contingent nature of historical developments. By cautioning against "going off balance," Morison underscores the importance of maintaining a critical distance from the subject matter and avoiding the imposition of present-day perspectives or biases onto the past.

Morison's assertion that historical outcomes are "subject to a thousand changes and chances" encapsulates the central theme of historical contingency. This concept highlights the idea that historical events are shaped by a multitude of unpredictable variables, including individual decisions, societal dynamics, and external influences. By acknowledging the role of contingency, historians can underscore the fluid and unpredictable nature of history, steering clear of deterministic interpretations that overlook the complexities of human agency and the impact of chance occurrences.

Furthermore, Morison's emphasis on the historian's responsibility to remind the reader of the non-inevitability of historical outcomes underscores the ethical imperative of historical scholarship. Historians bear the weighty responsibility of presenting a balanced and nuanced account of the past, one that recognizes the multiplicity of factors at play in shaping historical events. By resisting the temptation to present history as a predetermined march towards specific outcomes, historians can uphold the integrity of their discipline and contribute to a more accurate understanding of the past.

Morison's quote also speaks to the broader debates within the field of history regarding the nature of causality and the limits of historical knowledge. While some historical interpretations may seek to impose a sense of determinism or inevitability onto the past, Morison's admonition encourages historians to embrace a more open-ended and contingent view of history. This approach not only enriches our understanding of the past but also fosters a more critical and reflective engagement with historical narratives.

In conclusion, Samuel Morison's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the historian's duty to maintain balance and objectivity in the face of historical enthusiasm. By cautioning against deterministic interpretations and emphasizing the role of contingency in shaping historical events, Morison underscores the complexities and uncertainties inherent in the study of history. Ultimately, his words encapsulate the ethical imperative for historians to present a nuanced and multifaceted account of the past, one that acknowledges the myriad changes and chances that have shaped human history.