"I'm a historian in my own mind"

In this quote, Quentin Tarantino is expressing his belief that he is a historian in his own mind. This means that he sees himself as somebody who is continuously examining and interpreting history, even if he might not have formal training or education in the subject. He likely sees himself as somebody who is constantly seeking to understand the past and its effect on the present, and uses this knowledge to notify his work as a filmmaker. This quote also suggests that Tarantino has a deep interest in history and sees it as a vital element of his identity and creative procedure.