British poet and author Michael Rosen frequently discusses history and how it affects society. He promotes a sincere and critical analysis of historical personalities and their contributions to both the good and bad parts of our past.

According to Rosen, it's important to consider both the positive and negative aspects of a person's life when paying tribute to them in history. This viewpoint is crucial because deleting or downplaying a person's legacy can skew how future generations interpret historical occurrences and the intricacies of human nature.

Imagine attempting to construct a house using only half of the materials; it would be unsteady, prone to collapsing, and would not accurately reflect the ideal design of a house. In a similar vein, we produce an incomplete and possibly deceptive understanding of a historical figure's contribution to society when we honor them without recognizing their shortcomings or errors.

In his quotation, Rosen highlights the significance of honoring those who held imperial authority while simultaneously highlighting the necessity of disclosing details about behaviors that are frequently left out, like participation in the slave trade. In order for people to understand not only what these individuals accomplished but also their darker sides and the suffering they caused, he recommends placing plaques or providing more context around memorials.

Without glorifying destructive practices, this method enables a more nuanced understanding of history, assisting present and future generations in comprehending the full range of human actions—both noble and shameful. It's similar to adding a warning label to a medication in that it lists possible side effects that should be understood before taking it, even as it acknowledges its benefits.