Historians are like deaf people who go on answering questions that no one has asked them.

Summary

This quote suggests that historians sometimes engage in speculative interpretations or provide answers to questions that have not been brought up or are not relevant. The comparison to deaf people implies that historians may not fully comprehend the needs or interests of the present or future audience, leading them to delve into irrelevant or unimportant subjects. In essence, it serves as a cautionary statement urging historians to focus on addressing the significant queries and concerns of society rather than pursuing tangential or insignificant topics.

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