Quote by C.S. Lewis

Some think it the historian's business to penetrate beyond this apparent confusion and heterogeneity, and to grasp in a single intuition the 'spirit' or 'meaning' of his period. With some hesitation, and with much respect for the great men who have thought otherwise, I submit that this is exactly what we must refrain from doing.

Some think it the historian's business to penetrate beyond t

Summary

This quote suggests that there is a tendency for historians to try and simplify and generalize the complexity and diversity of a historical period in order to find its ultimate meaning or essence. However, the speaker disagrees with this approach. They assert that historians should resist the urge to find a singular interpretation and instead embrace the confusion and diversity of the past. By refraining from imposing an overarching narrative, historians can better appreciate the richness and complexity of historical events and perspectives.

Topics

Literary Criticism

By C.S. Lewis

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