On History, Truth and Memory: How to Approach the Past Objectively This article is dedicated to the memory of Polina Gelman . The Foundation of Understanding To understand history, politics, or science, we must begin with tangible reality. Historical events cannot be understood in a vacuum; they must be examined within their unique circumstances. History is more than a chronicle of dates; it is a lesson embedded in the memory of civilizations, shaping their future. Therefore, a rigorous examination of the past is essential to understanding the reflexes, behaviors, and thought patterns of societies today. Memory is the shared heritage of all people. A clear understanding of this heritage is crucial for building a just future. By accurately diagnosing the problems of the past, we can identify the challenges of the present. Facing historical facts and evaluating them objectively is, therefore, both an academic and an ethical obligation. It is how we learn from our mistakes and prevent the...