This statement specifically relates to the historical skill of historical empathy, which involves putting oneself in the shoes of people from the past to understand their perspectives, motivations, and the context in which they lived. By developing historical empathy, individuals can better comprehend why certain decisions were made, what factors influenced them, and how those choices shaped subsequent events.
This historical skill allows for a deeper understanding of the complexities of human actions and the consequences that followed. Through empathy, individuals can learn from the mistakes and successes of the past and apply those lessons to their own decision-making processes and societal challenges.
Therefore, Santayana's statement underscores the importance of cultivating historical empathy as a means to learn from history and avoid repeating past errors.