Among the many quotes of historical figures and political figures, one of the most famous is this: "History does not tolerate the subjunctive mood." Many attribute its authorship to Joseph Stalin, which is confirmed in writing. But he was not the first to use it, and not in the exact wording. It is largely the result of adaptation in translation from German and its modernisation. But the meaning of the expression should be extremely clear to each of its readers.
Authorship of the expression
The author of the statement "History does not tolerate the subjunctive mood" is Heidelberg professor Karl Hampe. But in his formulation, only the meaning of the expression is captured, although it is written differently. In Germanit looks like "Die Geschichte kennt kein Wenn". A literal translation allows you to get the expression "History does not know the word if." Also, Joseph Stalin used this phrase in a conversation with Emil Ludwig, a writer from Germany. In his interpretation, it sounds like "History does not know the subjunctive mood."
Meaning of the statement
The traditional content of the phrase is a Russian adaptation of an expression by Karl Hampe. As it happened in history and before, similar expressions and quotes are expressed by several people, which is not a fact of plagiarism. JV Stalin used it in the context of a certain topic of conversation with the writer. Although, of course, for Joseph Vissarionovich it meant the same thing as for Karl Hampe.
The expression "History does not tolerate the subjunctive mood" has a very simple meaning. It lies in the fact that historical science cannot use "if". As a scientific discipline, it must take into account facts documented or described by contemporaries. She needs to accept evidence from research and avoid ambiguous interpretations using the malicious "if." Historical events really took place, and now only their actual consequences are important. And no matter what would happen if…
Historical hypotheses and assumptions
Many far-fetched and, it seems, quite implausible hypotheses remain unproven and are suitable only forworks of art with a historical theme, which is also useful as an exercise for the mind. But in official politics or science, if-based hypotheses cannot be applied. By stating that history does not tolerate the subjunctive mood, the author had this in mind. And in the case of I. V. Stalin, there is a clear need to openly acknowledge the sacrifices that had to be made in order to establish the power of the proletariat.
In a conversation with E. Ludwig, the leader of the USSR also recognized as an indisputable fact all the events of the First World War, sincerely believing that things should not come to a second such catastrophe. He was well aware that the phenomena and events that took place in history had already happened, and due to a revision of the point of view regarding them, the essence will not change.
History does not tolerate the subjunctive mood. Who said this phrase is no longer important. It is a so-called bastard quote, but it describes as accurately as possible the only correct approach to the study of this science and the interpretation of its facts.
The problem of modernity
Today, national movements are very developed in various small states and provinces of large countries. In an effort to gain more freedom in international politics or give weight to their statements, their leaders try to use distorted historical facts. Often in the course of distortion or opposition, the subjunctive mood appears. Sometimes, even without it, some activists or simply illiterate people manage to get their way.
But it should be remembered that history does not toleratesubjunctive mood. Therefore, the easiest way to cooperate on an equal footing in international relations is to recognize our history. It is not ideal and noble in any state. And there is a possibility that the new political regime may again reshape it to fit the new realities, using a useless "if".
To be more precise, skillful history speculation can bring some short-lived benefits. But this is dishonorable in relation to society itself, which is simply impossible to deceive forever. By accepting your history and the mistakes of your ancestors, you can avoid them in the future. By evading reality and using "if only", more mistakes can be made.
This is the process that should be feared the most, and countries and regimes that allow history to be rewritten to increase the role of their state cannot be trusted. There are facts and events that it is pointless to deny, because it is simply impossible to remove them from textbooks and public opinion. And the statement that history does not tolerate the subjunctive mood should be an indicator that we all accept the reality of the past as it was.
