Danubian Historical Studies 1. (1987)
1987 / 1. szám - Foreword
We wish to summon history to testify in defence of the freedom of scientific research, against narrow-minded provincial and nationalistic historiography. We emphasize the importance of facts and rational intellectual conviction as opposed to distorting interests from whatever source they may originate: individual interests and errors, mass-instinct or the demands of dictatorship. History is worth little without addressing itself to historical problems. Just as a museum catalogue is not history, neither is historical chronology; it is, in Croce's words, only the "corpse of history". Our discussions, therefore, will extend beyond pure facts to the issues of "meaning" and "significance". Paul Valery regarded historiography as the most dreadful product of the human mind. In his view, history encourages dreaming, poisons the nation, creates false memories, exaggerates reactions, deprives nations of their peace and makes for megalomania and persecution complexes. Every issue in our series will attempt to refute this misconception. We do not wish to assist either dreamers or "well-poisoners". Nor do we wish to tear open old wounds. We oppose every kind of megalomania, any leading role in the Danube region; nor do we want to reinforce anyone's sense of being persecuted. Our aims are modest, yet they might seem daring: we want to write accurate history. György Ránki Director of the Institute of Historical Sciences 2