A good historian is timeless; although he is a patriot, he will never flatter his country in any respect

A good historian is timeless; although he is a patriot, he will never flatter his country in any respect

Francois Fenelon, a renowned French historian and theologian, exemplifies the qualities of a good historian who is timeless and impartial in his analysis of his country's history. Fenelon was a patriot who loved his country deeply, but he never allowed his patriotism to cloud his judgment or lead him to flatter his country in any respect. Instead, he approached the study of history with a critical eye, seeking to uncover the truth and present an accurate account of the past.

Fenelon's commitment to historical accuracy and impartiality can be seen in his most famous work, "The Adventures of Telemachus." In this work, Fenelon uses the story of Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, to explore themes of virtue, leadership, and the responsibilities of rulers. Through the character of Telemachus, Fenelon offers a critique of the corrupt and decadent court of Louis XIV, drawing parallels between the fictional world of ancient Greece and the political realities of his own time.

Fenelon's willingness to criticize his own country and its rulers was not without consequences. In fact, his outspoken views and criticisms of the French monarchy led to his eventual fall from favor at court and his exile from Paris. Despite these personal hardships, Fenelon remained steadfast in his commitment to truth and integrity in his historical writings.

Fenelon's approach to history as a patriot who never flattered his country serves as a timeless example for historians today. In an age of increasing nationalism and political polarization, it is more important than ever for historians to maintain their independence and objectivity in the face of pressure to conform to a particular narrative or agenda. By following Fenelon's example and striving for historical accuracy and impartiality, historians can help to ensure that the lessons of the past are not distorted or manipulated for political gain.