Margaret MacMillan expresses her fondness for reading personal accounts such as diaries and memoirs, highlighting her interest in understanding diverse personalities through these intimate glimpses into people's lives. By delving into the private thoughts and reflections of individuals from different eras, she gains insight into what motivates them and makes them unique.
The quote reflects a broader appreciation for history and human nature, as MacMillan views personal narratives not just as entertainment but as valuable sources of information about societal norms and individual experiences. Through these accounts, one can discern patterns in behavior and thought across different contexts, thus enriching our understanding of both historical figures and everyday people. This approach underscores the importance of empathy and nuanced thinking when studying individuals' lives and choices.
Margaret MacMillan is a renowned historian known for her work on international relations and 20th-century history. She has written extensively about various subjects including World War I, the origins of the First World War, and more recently, comparative historical analysis. Her interest in personal narratives aligns with her broader scholarly pursuits aimed at understanding human behavior within historical contexts.
