"La historia la escriben los vencedores"

The main idea here is pretty straightforward: those who win conflicts, battles, or wars get to tell the story. It’s the victors who end up shaping how events are remembered and recorded, which means we often get a skewed version of the truth. The losers' perspectives and experiences tend to get pushed to the side, forgotten, or even deliberately erased.

Let’s dive into a bit of history to give this some context. Winston Churchill famously said this during World War II. He knew that if the Allies won, they’d have the power to control the narrative of the war. Think about it: if you’re the one writing the history books, you can paint yourself as the hero and your enemies as the villains. And this isn’t just about wars. It happens in all sorts of conflicts, big and small.

Here’s a real-life example to chew on: consider the colonization of the Americas. European settlers wrote most of the history we learn about in school. Their accounts describe discovering new lands, bringing civilization, and spreading Christianity. But what about the indigenous peoples? Their stories of suffering, displacement, and resistance are often downplayed or ignored. It’s only in recent years that we’ve started to hear more from their perspective. This shift shows us how history can change based on who’s telling the story.

So, how can you use this bit of wisdom in your own life? First off, be a critical thinker. Don’t just accept the first version of the story you hear—look for other perspectives. Whether it’s a news article, a history book, or even a rumor at work, remember that there’s often another side to the story. Ask questions, do your own research, and be open to the idea that the “official” version might leave out some inconvenient truths.

Imagine you’re part of a team at work, and there’s been a big project that just wrapped up. Your manager is singing praises about how well everything went, taking most of the credit. But you know there were lots of late nights, a few crises that got narrowly averted, and teammates who worked their butts off behind the scenes. If you only listened to your manager, you’d think it was all smooth sailing. But talking to your coworkers gives you a fuller picture. Maybe it even encourages you to speak up and make sure everyone gets the acknowledgment they deserve.

Here’s another relatable scenario: think back to your school days. Remember how there was always that one kid who seemed to be the teacher’s pet? They’d get praised for everything, while others, who might’ve worked just as hard, didn’t get as much recognition. If you were that overlooked kid, it probably felt super unfair. But it’s a perfect example of how “history” in that classroom was being written by the victor—the teacher’s favorite. It’s a small-scale version of the same concept.

In sum, keep in mind that the stories we’re told are often shaped by those who hold power. Whether it's history, workplace dynamics, or everyday situations, consider who’s telling the story and who might be left out. By doing this, you’ll not only become a more informed person but also more empathetic and fair in your judgments.