The past doesn't change, of course; it lies behind you, petrified, immutable. What changes is the way you see it. Perception is everything. It turns villains into heroes and victims into collaborators. Hilary Mantel, A Change of Climate
The quote discusses the unchangeable nature of the past, which remains fixed and unalterable. However, it emphasizes that our understanding and perception of those past events can evolve, shaping our views significantly over time. This shift in perspective can dramatically alter how individuals and events are perceived, allowing the same characters to be viewed in contradictory lights.
This reflection highlights the subjective nature of history and memory, suggesting that while the facts remain constant, our interpretation can cast people as either heroes or villains. Such a transformation in viewpoint also underscores the complexity of human experience, where victims may inadvertently become complicit, revealing the nuanced layers of human behavior and morality.
