Quotes With Meaning
Those of us who write and study history are accustomed to its approximations and ambiguities. This is why we do not take literally the tenth-hand reports of frightened and illiterate peasants who claim to have seen miracles or to have had encounters with messiahs and prophets and redeemers who were, like them, mere humans. And this is also why we will never submit to dictation from those who display a fanatical belief in certainty and revelation.
Those of us who write and study history are accustomed to its approximations and ambiguities. This is why we do not take literally the tenth-hand reports of frightened and illiterate peasants who claim to have seen miracles or to have had encounters with messiahs and prophets and redeemers who were, like them, mere humans. And this is also why we will never submit to dictation from those who display a fanatical belief in certainty and revelation.
The quote emphasizes the importance of skepticism in historical analysis. Hitchens asserts that historians are aware of the inherent uncertainties in historical narratives. He argues that unverified accounts, especially from those who may not have the means to articulate their experiences accurately, should be approached with caution. This skepticism extends to rejecting absolute beliefs that lack evidence, particularly those rooted in fanaticism. Hitchens advocates for a mindset that values critical thinking over blind acceptance of claims about miracles or divine encounters. The pursuit of truth in history involves recognizing the complexities and limitations of human experience. Ultimately, this perspective fosters intellectual freedom and growth, encouraging individuals to question rather than simply accept.