Meaning: This quote by Samuel Morison, an American historian, encapsulates the idea that historical analysis and decision-making are both shaped by the circumstances of time and space. Morison suggests that just as a statesman or soldier is compelled to make decisions based on the immediate exigencies of their situation, the historian is similarly driven to form judgments about the past. While the urgency of this impetus may differ between the two roles, the underlying premise is that historical interpretation is influenced by the context in which it occurs.

Morison's choice of the terms "contingencies of time and space" is significant. "Contingencies" implies that historical events and decisions are shaped by unforeseen or unpredictable circumstances, emphasizing the role of chance and uncertainty in shaping human actions. The mention of "time and space" further underscores the contextual nature of historical analysis, highlighting the impact of temporal and geographic factors on decision-making and historical interpretation.

The comparison drawn between statesmen, soldiers, and historians serves to underscore the parallel between decision-making in the present and the retrospective analysis of the past. Statesmen and soldiers are compelled to make critical decisions in the face of immediate challenges, and their actions are often judged in hindsight. Similarly, historians are tasked with making sense of past events, navigating the complexities of historical contexts and the often limited and biased sources available to them.

Morison's assertion that historians are impelled to "make up his mind" suggests that historical interpretation is an active and deliberate process. Historians are not passive observers of the past; rather, they are engaged in the active construction of narratives and interpretations based on the available evidence. This process involves making choices, forming conclusions, and defending interpretations in much the same way that statesmen and soldiers must make decisive choices in their own realms.

The phrase "with less urgency" acknowledges that the stakes of historical interpretation may not be as immediate or tangible as those faced by statesmen and soldiers. While the consequences of historical misinterpretation can certainly be significant, they are often less immediate and direct than the life-and-death decisions faced by political and military leaders. Nonetheless, Morison suggests that the impetus to form judgments about the past is a fundamental aspect of the historian's role, albeit with a different sense of urgency.

Morison's perspective aligns with broader debates within the field of history regarding the nature of historical knowledge and the challenges of historical interpretation. The quote reflects the understanding that historical understanding is not a passive or objective process but is inherently shaped by the perspectives, biases, and limitations of both the historian and the historical context being studied.

In conclusion, Samuel Morison's quote encapsulates the complex relationship between historical interpretation and the contingencies of time and space. It highlights the active and deliberate nature of historical analysis, emphasizing the role of context and the challenges of making sense of the past. By drawing parallels between the imperatives facing statesmen, soldiers, and historians, Morison underscores the active and dynamic nature of historical interpretation and the enduring relevance of historical understanding in shaping our perceptions of the world.