What distinguishes the historian from the collector of historical facts is generalization.
Edward Hallett CarrRead
History is the long struggle of man, by exercise of his reason, to understand his environment and to act upon it. But the modern period has broadened the struggle in a revolutionary way. Man now seeks to understand, and act on, not only his environment, but himself; and this has added, so to speak, a new dimension to reason and a new dimension to history.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on humanity's ongoing quest to understand both the world and ourselves, highlighting a shift in focus in modern history.
Edward Hallett Carr's quote emphasizes that the study of history is not just about understanding external environments but also about introspection and self-awareness. He suggests that in modern times, humanity's struggle has evolved to include understanding ourselves, which enhances our reasoning and changes the way we interpret history and our place in it.
In practice
Discussing the significance of historical study in a philosophy class.
What distinguishes the historian from the collector of historical facts is generalization.
History consists of a corpus ascertained facts. The facts are available to the historian in documents, inscriptions and so on, like fish in the fishmonger's slab. The historian collects them, takes them home, and cooks and serves them in whatever style appeals to him.
I don't care how nice one is to you, the thing you must always remember is that almost never does he really see you as he sees himself, as he sees his own kind.
Last year, Americans spent $450 billion on Christmas. Clean water for the whole world, including every poor person on the planet would cost about $20 billion. Let's just call that what it is: A material blasphemy of the Christmas season.
Entire ignorance is not so terrible or extreme an evil, and is far from being the greatest of all.
Wherever you turn, you can find someone who needs you. Even if it is a little thing, do something for which there is no pay but the privilege of doing it. Remember, you don't live in a world all of your own
Every year tens of thousands of animals suffer and die in laboratory tests of cosmetics and household products...despite the fact that the test results do not help prevent or treat accidental or purposeful misuse of the products. Please join me in using your voice for those whose cries are forever sealed behind the laboratory doors.
It was by one Union that we achieved our independence and liberties, and by it alone can they be maintained.
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