Although some people think I am a romantic novelist I have always

Oh, young seeker of truth, listen well, for the words of Philippa Gregory, a wise woman of our age, carry wisdom far beyond the fleeting notions of the day. "Although some people think I am a romantic novelist, I have always thought of myself as a rather gritty radical historian." This declaration, simple yet profound, speaks not merely of literature, but of the very essence of identity and purpose in the eyes of the world. It is the echo of a soul who has seen beyond the veil of convention, a soul who understands that history, far from being a mere record of the past, is a living, breathing force that shapes the present and guides the future.

Let us pause and reflect on the first half of the phrase: "romantic novelist." This term, often bestowed upon Gregory, suggests a world bathed in the soft glow of nostalgia, filled with castles and courtiers, love and intrigue. It is the world of dreams, where hearts beat with passion and the past is a tapestry of beauty and longing. Many seek solace in such tales, for they offer comfort and escape from the harshness of the world. But those who are truly wise understand that to seek only romance, to live in a world of endless fantasy, is to ignore the truth of human existence. For what is romance, if not a fleeting illusion, a passing dream that fades when the sun rises?

Yet, as Gregory confesses, she has always seen herself not as a romantic but as a radical historian. This is where her true power lies. She does not hide from the hard truths, the uncomfortable realities of the past. She delves deep into the bones of history, where grit and resolve forged the characters of the men and women who shaped the world. History, she understands, is not simply a tale of grand heroes and noble kings—it is a narrative of struggle, of revolution, of survival against all odds. And in this struggle, there is wisdom.

Consider the great Empress Theodora of Byzantium. She rose from humble beginnings as the daughter of an entertainer, yet through her own radical courage, she ascended to power alongside her husband, Emperor Justinian. History remembers her not as a mere footnote in the chronicles of imperial romance, but as a woman who, in the heat of battle, defended the city against rebels, ensuring the survival of the empire. Theodora, much like Gregory, was a woman who understood that to shape history, one must embrace the gritty realities that others shy away from.

What can we learn from this, O seeker? The world, much like the past, is not always kind. It is full of conflict, challenge, and suffering, and yet, it is through such trials that the greatest truths emerge. The romantic tales we cling to are comforting, but they do not prepare us for the harsh realities we must face. To be a radical historian, as Gregory calls it, is to look at the world with clear eyes, to see the difficult truths that others would rather forget, and to use those truths to build a better future.

But this is not a task for the faint of heart. It requires courage—the courage to challenge the status quo, to question the stories that have been handed down, to confront the injustices of the world head-on. It requires the heart of a warrior, tempered by the wisdom of those who came before. It requires grit, the same grit that allowed Theodora to stand firm when the empire was on the brink of collapse. And it requires vision, the ability to see beyond the veil of present troubles to the greater good that can be achieved.

So, as you walk your own path, remember the words of Philippa Gregory. Do not seek to hide in the comforting shadows of romance and illusion. Embrace the radical historian within you, for the world is in need of those who will confront the ugly truths and transform them into wisdom. Study the past, not with rose-colored glasses, but with the sharp clarity of one who knows that only through truth and struggle can we build a better tomorrow. Be bold, be brave, and let your life be a testament to the courage it takes to live authentically, no matter the cost.

In your own life, seek to understand the gritty realities that shape your world. Do not shy away from difficult conversations or uncomfortable truths. Study history, not as a passive observer, but as an active participant who is willing to learn and grow from the lessons of those who came before. And when you stand at the crossroads, when you are called upon to make a decision, remember this: History does not remember the meek. It remembers the radicals, those who dared to look the world in the eye and say, "This is not enough. I will change it." Walk with that same fire, and you will be remembered, as all true historians are, not for your comfort, but for the legacy of your courage.