In any case, his judgment and set of values, acting alone or through his assistants, determine not only what is gold and what is dross but the design of the history which he creates out of the metal. The historian decides what is significant, and what is not.

Profession: Historian

Topics: Design, History, Values, Acting, Gold, Judgment,

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Meaning: This quote by Samuel Morison, a renowned American historian, delves into the pivotal role of a historian in shaping the narrative of history. Morison emphasizes the power wielded by historians in determining the significance of events and the manner in which historical accounts are constructed. The quote underscores the influence of the historian's judgment, values, and perspective in discerning what is of enduring importance and what is not, thereby shaping the trajectory of historical narratives.

Morison's assertion that a historian's judgment and values play a crucial role in delineating "what is gold and what is dross" highlights the subjective nature of historical interpretation. Historians are tasked with sifting through vast troves of historical data and events to distill the essence of what is valuable and worthy of preservation in the annals of history. This process is inherently influenced by the historian's individual perspective, biases, and cultural context, underscoring the subjective nature of historical interpretation.

Furthermore, Morison's reference to the historian's role in determining "the design of the history" echoes the notion that historical narratives are not merely objective recitations of events but rather carefully crafted stories shaped by the historian's interpretation. The historian's selection of which events to highlight, the emphasis placed on certain figures or movements, and the overarching narrative structure all contribute to the design of history, reflecting the historian's deliberate choices and interpretations.

The quote also alludes to the collaborative nature of historical scholarship, as Morison acknowledges that historians may work alone or through assistants. This collaborative aspect underscores the collective endeavor of historical research and the validation of historical interpretations through scholarly discourse and peer review. Despite the individual historian's influence, the field of history is ultimately shaped by the contributions and critiques of multiple scholars, leading to a dynamic and evolving understanding of the past.

Central to Morison's assertion is the historian's overarching responsibility to discern significance within the vast tapestry of historical events. By identifying what is historically consequential, the historian imparts meaning and relevance to the past, thereby influencing the collective understanding of history. This process of significance attribution is inherently subjective, as it is shaped by the historian's values, cultural context, and worldview.

In conclusion, Samuel Morison's quote encapsulates the profound influence wielded by historians in shaping historical narratives. The quote underscores the subjective nature of historical interpretation, highlighting the pivotal role of a historian's judgment, values, and perspective in delineating significance and crafting the design of history. Ultimately, Morison's assertion serves as a reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of historical scholarship, wherein historians act as architects of the past, shaping the narrative of history through their individual and collective endeavors.

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