Chapter 275: Clash of Two Historical Perspectives

Chapter 275: Clash of Two Historical Perspectives

“Heroes and Wise Kings?”

Paul expressed some surprise.

“Exactly! Only strong heroes and wise kings can lead the people to victory. This has been proven time and again at major turning points throughout the vast course of history.”

Mond Landon shared his view with a smile, but he quickly noticed Paul’s non-committal reaction.

“What’s the matter, Count Grayman? Don’t you agree with this viewpoint?”

Paul responded with a smile, waving his hand: “It’s not that I disagree. I’m not a scholar of history and don’t have a firm conclusion in this area. However, I have heard a completely opposite perspective from others.”

“Oh? Do elaborate.”Alll latest novels at novelhall.com

“Your view that only heroes and wise kings can lead people to victory can be termed the ‘Heroic Perspective’.”

Mond nodded: “That term does seem apt.”

Paul continued, “I have heard from others about a ‘People’s Perspective’.”

This time, Mond Landon was the one surprised: “The People’s Perspective? What is that about?”

Mond expressed surprise, “This is the first time I’ve heard such a perspective that seemingly belittles heroes.”

“No, Mr. Scholar, you are mistaken!” Paul quickly denied, “This isn’t about belittling them. Their talents are undoubtedly exceptional, their achievements great, and their names worth commemorating—however, they are not irreplaceable.”

“From a macro perspective, history seems filled with inevitability. Humans, having mastered advanced technology and experienced a significant leap in productivity, were bound to form a centralized empire. A thriving empire would naturally develop a desire for expansion. Heroes just happened to be in that position. Without Emperor Leon or generals like Elian, others would have stepped in to play their roles and fulfill the missions history assigned to them.”

Just like his own arrival in this world merely catalyzed the industrial revolution that was bound to occur with the development of productive forces.

Mond, stiff and wide-eyed, said, “History is inevitable? This sounds like what those charlatans in the church preach, that everything has already been arranged by the Lord of Light.”

Seeing Mond’s reaction, Paul felt a great sense of vanity. He didn’t expect that some scattered information he had seen on the internet in his previous life would stun a scholar from the Scholar’s Tower.

He continued, “Specifically, history is inevitable in its broad direction, but individual events are more subject to chance, which can either accelerate or delay processes. The actions of heroic figures can, to some extent, hasten or slow down the course of history, but they cannot change its direction. The dominance of the ‘Heroic Perspective’ is also inevitable. Historians tend to focus their narratives around heroes, as they are limited by their recording methods and cannot document every individual’s name and deeds. They can only record those who are exceptionally prominent and outstanding. Readers of these historical records easily empathize with the heroes, inevitably leading to admiration. But if the focus is on analyzing social systems or describing production relations, it becomes tedious and is often skimmed over by many.”

Mond, silent for a long time, wanted to object but felt that Paul’s words were correct in some aspects.

“Even so... Alright, what you—no, this perspective—has some merit.”

In the end, Mond had to admit this, his worldview slightly shaken by the day’s conversation.

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