"History is a set of lies agreed upon"

Napoleon Bonaparte’s assertion, “History is a set of lies agreed upon,” challenges the conventional view of history as an objective record of past events. This perspective reveals the inherent subjectivity and malleability in how societies construct historical narratives. Rather than being an uncontested chronicle, history often reflects the perspectives, biases, and interests of those who record and transmit it. Victors, rulers, and dominant groups shape the historical record, deciding which events are emphasized, which are downplayed, and which are erased entirely. This selective curation produces a version of the past that aligns with prevailing political or cultural agendas, and over time, these interpretations solidify into accepted truths, regardless of their complete accuracy.

Through this lens, historical “truth” becomes negotiable, formed through consensus rather than absolute fact. Shared narratives help to forge collective identity, reinforce power structures, and legitimize authority. In some cases, inconvenient or uncomfortable realities are omitted, reinterpreted, or outright fabricated for the sake of national pride, cohesion, or ideological purposes. Subsequent generations inherit these constructed stories and often perpetuate them, rarely questioning their veracity. The educational system, media, and public commemorations all play a role in reinforcing and disseminating these sanctioned accounts.

Napoleon’s observation invites skepticism about seemingly authoritative history. It encourages readers to scrutinize sources, seek out marginalized voices, and recognize the motivations behind historical storytelling. By acknowledging that history is filtered through human perception and interest, individuals can better appreciate both its limitations and its power. Understanding that what is accepted as historical fact is often the result of contestation, compromise, and selective memory underscores the importance of critical engagement with the past. Only by confronting these narratives with a discerning mind can societies strive toward a fuller and more honest understanding of their own histories.