How should one go about in trying to judge or guess the intentions of historical figures?
Every single one was interested solely in expanding their own power.
Pragmatism vs. idealism: Did the leader do what they did because it was expedient, or did they do it because it appealed to their innate virtue system?
Note: These categories rarely overlap, because what is expedient is rarely what is virtuous.
>>1405893
By attempting to immerse ourselves in their situation as deeply as possible.
>>1405893
If they weren't a psychopath they probably wouldn't be a historical figure of any renown. Read Machiavelli and imagine you have no empathy is probably your best bet.
>>1405902
>>1408245
what's this
>>1407241
This website is 18+ only.
