Herodotus says, Very few things happen at the right time, and the rest do not happen at all. The conscientious historian will correct these defects.

Summary

In this quote, Herodotus brings attention to the idea that only a small number of events occur at the right moment, while the majority either occur at the wrong time or do not happen at all. He emphasizes the role of a conscientious historian who strives to rectify such imperfections. The quote implies that historians have the responsibility to accurately document and correct the errors, gaps, and inconsistencies in historical accounts to provide a more precise and comprehensive understanding of the past. It emphasizes the importance of meticulousness and diligence in historical analysis and documentation.

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