The historian is, by definition, absolutely incapable of observing the facts which he examines.
Marc BlochRead
But history is neither watchmaking nor cabinet construction. It is an endeavor toward better understanding.
Interpretation
History is about gaining insights rather than just constructing facts.
In this quote, Marc Bloch emphasizes that the study of history is not merely a mechanical process of assembling facts or artifacts, like building a cabinet or crafting a watch. Instead, it is an intellectual endeavor aimed at fostering a deeper comprehension of human experiences, contexts, and the interconnected nature of events over time. History requires interpretation, reflection, and understanding, highlighting its dynamic and complex character.
In practice
In a lecture on the importance of historical context during discussions on current events.
The historian is, by definition, absolutely incapable of observing the facts which he examines.
A corner draft fluttered the flame And the white fever of temptation Upswept its angel wings that cast A cruciform shadow.
Association with human beings lures one into self-observation.
Racism is a belief system. It was assembled over centuries from many component parts - bits of biblical scripture, the propaganda of the slave-owning lobby and the pseudo-science of academics working in universities in Europe and America.
Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to cast a stone.
We are in front of a global scandal of around one billion - one billion people who still suffer from hunger today. We cannot look the other way and pretend this does not exist. The food available in the world is enough to feed everyone.
As a human being, member of society, you must clearly state your mind. It's a responsibility. It is the way you identify yourself otherwise you don't know who you are and why you are here.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.