Quote by Christopher Hitchens
Those of us who write and study history are accustomed to its approximations and ambiguities. This is why we do not take literally the tenth-hand reports of frightened and illiterate peasants who claim to have seen miracles or to have had encounters with messiahs and prophets and redeemers who were, like them, mere humans. And this is also why we will never submit to dictation from those who display a fanatical belief in certainty and revelation.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the skepticism and critical approach of historians towards accounts of miracles or encounters with divine beings. Historians recognize the inherent limitations of historical sources and do not blindly accept accounts without scrutiny. By questioning the reliability of reports from frightened and uneducated individuals, the quote highlights the importance of not basing historical conclusions on mere belief or personal conviction. Instead, historians advocate for a nuanced understanding of historical events, rejecting absolutist claims and dogmatic beliefs that undermine the critical analysis necessary in the study of history.
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