Without a reexamination by an unbiased eye, Richard III could never be exxonerated of the crime of murder. Perhaps the Whig historian does seek to glorify individuals. Butterfield often refers to Martin Luther, and seeks to downplay his significance as the driving force behind the acceptance of the Reformation. Each must be placed within the context of the other. People create history, hence people write history.
History is judged by people.
This leads to bias, condemnation, and exaltation. All of these are the qualities which embody humanity. Butterfield seeks to remove any bias and subsequent prejudice from historical research. Humans shape the historical context into which they are thrust, therefore to remove the emotions that drive people to forge events into life does a great disservice to future generations. Humans study the present through the past, it is the possible way to comprehend the impact of a Richard III, a Mrtin Luther or even an Adolf Hitler.