In this essay we are going to look into the problems that can occur when recording history, and some of the different methods a good historian should adopt to lessen subjectivity. The aim is to evaluate source material, in order to provide an honest representation of historical events. Almost everything that we believe about ourselves and the world in which we live, is rooted in time. This can be, on one side viewed on an individual level. We would have no idea how to function in day to day life without past learning, constantly reviewing every experience. Without doing this we would have no understanding of the world and nothing would have meaning to us. As Tosh, J (2010) states this also happens collectively, being where the importance of the historian comes in. The historian is shaping the world view in which the collective think within, at the present day. Whether people are aware or not, their day to day lives will have been affected by the way in which history has been evaluated and recorded. "Most wars after all, present themselves as humanitarians endeavours to help people," (Zinn, H, 2014). Here Zinn is Suggesting most information on the service, is in fact a false presentation. .
English author, Edward Bulwer-Lytton wrote, "The pen is mightier than the sword." This is suggesting that if false recollections of history are made, these claims can spread like viruses within the collective memory having devastatingly damaging effects on a society. These interpretations of history are extremely hard to change, Damaging a much longer time period than the event itself. These types of recollections of history can be done wittingly, to be used to manipulate peoples perceptions in order to predict and steer peoples actions for the gain of a hidden agenda, often linked to corrupt ideals. Or, it can also happen unwittingly, as the result of the historians own beliefs, background etc. unknowingly shaping their work.
