Walter Raleigh: 'Whosoever, in writing a modern history, shall follow truth too near the heels, it may happily strike out his teeth.'

Whosoever, in writing a modern history, shall follow truth too near the heels, it may happily strike out his teeth.

As Walter Raleigh famously said, "Whosoever, in writing a modern history, shall follow truth too near the heels, it may happily strike out his teeth." At first glance, this quote may seem puzzling, but upon further reflection, its meaning becomes clear. Raleigh suggests that adhering too closely to truth when documenting history can have adverse consequences. In essence, he warns us about the potential dangers of being too rigid and inflexible in our pursuit of historical accuracy. However, let us delve deeper into this quote and explore an unexpected philosophical concept that could shed new light on its significance.Philosophically speaking, the nature of truth itself has often been subject to scrutiny. While truth can be seen as an absolute and unchanging concept, some philosophers argue that it is a relative and subjective idea. This brings us to the concept of perspectivism, initially proposed by Friedrich Nietzsche. Perspectivism posits that truth is inherently subjective, varying based on each individual's perspective and interpretation.With this in mind, Raleigh's quote takes on a new dimension. It suggests that blindly adhering to a singular version of truth in historical writing can lead to the omission of alternative perspectives and interpretations. By following truth "too near the heels," we risk neglecting the richness and complexity of history itself. This concept challenges the traditional notion of historical accuracy, emphasizing the importance of incorporating diverse viewpoints and interpretations into our narratives.Moreover, Raleigh's warning echoes the ongoing debate between objective and subjective historical accounts. Some argue for the necessity of objectivity, asserting that historical narratives should strive for factual correctness. Conversely, others advocate for subjectivity, recognizing the inherent biases and limitations that influence historical interpretations. Raleigh's quote adds a valuable nuance to this debate, cautioning against the repercussions of blindly adhering to a single "objective" truth.In practice, this warning urges historians to embrace a more pluralistic approach when documenting history. Rather than striving for an absolute truth, they should seek to portray multiple perspectives, acknowledging that truth may vary depending on one's vantage point. This opens the door to a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of the past, fostering a richer engagement with different cultures, experiences, and voices.Ultimately, Raleigh's quote serves as a rallying cry for historians to embrace a certain level of flexibility in their pursuit of truth. It reminds us to be mindful of the dangers of dogmatism and the potential limitations of our own perspectives. By doing so, we can enrich our historical narratives, promote a more nuanced understanding of the past, and safeguard ourselves from the intellectual "teeth" that blind adherence to singular truth may cost us.In conclusion, Walter Raleigh's quote, "Whosoever, in writing a modern history, shall follow truth too near the heels, it may happily strike out his teeth," carries a profound message for those dedicated to the study of history. By cautioning against a rigid pursuit of truth, Raleigh encourages historians to embrace perspectivism and a more inclusive approach to historical writing. This concept challenges traditional notions of objectivity and highlights the importance of incorporating diverse interpretations into our narratives. Ultimately, through a balanced and flexible approach to truth, we can unlock a deeper understanding of the past and enrich our collective knowledge.