Can history ever be truly objective?
The Lost King (2022) is a British biographical film directed by Stephen Frears, based on the 2013 book The King’s Grave: The Search for Richard III by Philippa Langley and Michael Jones. It dramatizes the remarkable journey of Philippa Langley, the woman who initiated the search for King Richard III’s remains beneath a car park in Leicester. The film also highlights the controversy surrounding the University of Leicester and the claiming of credit for the discovery.
How much of history is shaped by those in power?
The Lost King (2022) explores how historical narratives are often dictated by the victors, reflecting the biases of their time. Richard III, for instance, was vilified—particularly in Shakespeare’s Richard III, written during the Tudor era, when it was politically advantageous to depict him as a deformed villain, legitimizing Henry VII’s rule. The discovery of his skeleton, which revealed scoliosis, contradicts the exaggerated hunchback of Shakespeare’s play but does confirm some deformity. However, whether he was truly the tyrant portrayed in historical texts remains uncertain. The mystery of the missing princes in the Tower of London remains unsolved, and the primary sources still originate from the Tudor period or later, reinforcing a potentially biased image of Richard as a usurper.
Are national histories just different versions of the same story?
History is inherently subjective, shaped by the perspectives of those who record it. Every nation constructs its own “version” of history, often omitting key details that would provide a more universal perspective. When we step back, we recognize that humanity shares the same genetic lineage and inhabits the same planet. Viewing the history of nations through this broader lens makes it evident that much of what divides us stems from incomplete narratives rather than inherent differences.
Can we reshape society through understanding the brain?
In today’s world, we can no longer claim, “We didn’t know.” We have access to unprecedented knowledge about our environment, our history, and—perhaps most crucially—our brain. However, centuries of conditioning make it difficult to alter ingrained perspectives overnight. The power of habits is strong, but understanding neuroplasticity reveals that our brains can adapt, leading to profound shifts in mindset. History has seen great movements driven by intuition and instinct alone—imagine what could be achieved if we combined this with scientific insights into how we think and learn. This understanding could be the key to building a society that prioritizes both humanity and the planet.
What do you think—can awareness of our brain’s potential truly change the way we see history and shape our future?
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