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You need, as a historian, essential triangulation from your subject and the only way you get that triangulation is through time.
Ken Burns
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Historians require a deep understanding of their subjects, which can only be gained over time.

In this quote, Ken Burns emphasizes the importance of time in the work of historians. To truly understand a subject and provide comprehensive analysis, historians must engage in a process akin to triangulation, where multiple perspectives and contexts are examined over time, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of history.

Themes

HistoryHistorianTriangulationUnderstandingTime

In practice

Example use cases

In a lecture on historical methodology, this quote can highlight the need for comprehensive research.

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