Quotations and Literature Forum

This quote by De Spinoza means to just understand something as it is wihtout jumping to any conclusions. It has a Zen like quality to it.

"A condemnation from our century, of deeds of another century may be a more or less pleasant self-indulgence: it is not understanding; therefore it is not history. The historian must try to live up to the maxim of Spinoza: 'Do not weep; do not wax indignant. Understand.'"
~ Salvador de Madariaga
quoted in “Discovery in the Archives of Spain and Portugal: Quincentenary Essays, 1492-1992” (page 231) By Lawrence J. McCrank