"The historian is, by definition, absolutely incapable of observing the facts which he examines"
- Marc Bloch
About this Quote
This quote by Marc Bloch speaks to the problem of the historian's task. As a historian, one is tasked with analyzing facts and occasions that have actually already happened. This implies that the historian is unable to observe the truths firsthand, but need to rather rely on evidence from other sources. This can make it challenging to accurately translate the realities and occasions, as the historian is limited to the evidence readily available. Moreover, the historian needs to likewise consider the biases of the sources they are utilizing, as these can affect the interpretation of the truths. Ultimately, the historian should utilize their understanding and experience to interpret the realities in such a way that is as precise as possible. This quote serves as a suggestion of the problem of the historian's task, and the importance of understanding the restrictions of the proof offered.
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