is more unfair," as an English historian has well said, "than to judge men of the past by the ideas of the present. Whatever may be said of morality, political wisdom is certainly ambulatory.
In "The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam," Barbara W. Tuchman explores the notion that judging historical figures by contemporary standards is inherently unjust. An English historian notes that such assessments ignore the context and evolving nature of political wisdom. This perspective emphasizes that moral and political beliefs change over time, making it difficult to fairly evaluate past decisions and actions using modern criteria. Tuchman's work illustrates how historical narratives are complex and shaped by the values of their time. Recognizing that political wisdom can vary dramatically over the ages allows for a more nuanced understanding of history and the actions of individuals within it. The idea encourages readers to consider the motivations and circumstances surrounding past events rather than imposing present-day judgments.
