The subject of history is the life of peoples and of humanity. To catch and pin down in words--that is, to describe directly the life, not only of humanity, but even of a single people, appears to be impossible.

Summary

This quote suggests that history attempts to capture and understand the essence of human life and existence. It highlights the difficulty in fully encapsulating the experiences and narratives of both individuals and entire societies using mere words. Despite the challenge, the quote asserts that it is necessary to try and depict this intricate web of human existence, be it at the level of a single people or all of humanity. Overall, it emphasizes the complex nature of history and the ongoing endeavor to comprehend and communicate the richness of human life.

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