It is weird to think that these people in the past were just doing what they thought was the best thing to do at the time. I mean, I assume that is why people do things. I guess they might not KNOW what is best and they are just guessing. Or maybe they just wanted something to do so they weren't bored, Shoot, they might be doing the thing they think most likely to get them in the history books, or maybe a date with a cute girl. Who am I to say? I think that too often we ascribe some "super-human" status to people of the past because we happen to be remembering them. But it is really more important to remember that they are just people too. So in some ways, I can attribute to them the same reasons and motivations that I have for doing things. (Again, realizing that not everyone is motivated by the same things that I am, especially across all time and space - but it is at least a possibility.) So in terms of a mental exercise I can ponder my own motivations.
It is worth noting that I have yet to become a notable, influential person of the past, so maybe my motivations aren't so noble or impactful. But, hang on, if my thesis is that these are just normal people then they are no nobler that I am and impact is determined by circumstance. Sometimes I make plans and research and try to make the best decisions possible and as thoughtfully as possible only to have that plan fail miserably and sometimes I must make a quick, reactionary decision and it works out beautifully. Oh chance. So surely that must have happened to people in the past as well. Of course, I would not admit that I was lucky, but would take all the credit for my genius.
Really, the point is, we can judge the action but the not the motivation. Even if the figure tells us their motivation I would be suspect. I have to question the motivation of them telling their motivation as well. Can you explain your own actions all the time? How about the actions of your friends or family members? Do you or they ever act out of character? Something to think about!