The talent of historians lies in their creating a true ensemble out of facts which are but half true.
Interpretation
Historians craft narratives from incomplete truths, highlighting their skill in interpretation.
This quote by Ernest Renan emphasizes the role of historians in shaping our understanding of the past. It suggests that while historical facts may be only partially accurate, it is the historian's talent and creativity that allow them to weave these fragments into a coherent and insightful narrative, thus contributing to our collective memory and knowledge of history.
In practice
This quote can be used in a history class to discuss the subjectivity of historical narratives.
None of the miracles with which ancient histories are filled, occurred under scientific conditions. Observation never once contradicted, teaches us that miracles occur only in periods and countries in which they are believed in and before persons disposed to believe in them.
Man makes holy what he believes as he makes beautiful what he loves.
Forgetfulness, and I would even say historical error, are essential in the creation of a nation.
When people complain of life, it is almost always because they have asked impossible things of it.
He whom God has touched will always be a being apart: he is, whatever he may do, a stranger among men; he is marked by a sign.
Let us remember that sorrow alone is the creator of great things.
Corporations are totalitarian institutions. Board of directors at the top of managers give orders, everyone follows orders..... At the very bottom of command, if you are lucky you can rent yourself to it and get a job , and if you are sufficiently propagandized you may even buy some of the junk they produce and so on.
Good works do not make a good man, but a good man does good works.
What is human warfare but just this; an effort to make the laws of God and nature take sides with one party.
I just have a sense that, you know, I'm curious about what is religion about, you know? Why do some of us still engage it? It's not because it's a set of old beliefs or old ideas. Or even, particularly, the view that this is the only true religion. Many of us no longer accept those views.
If the religious experience were simply some naive impression of the uninformed it would not have resulted in such intellectual insight, such spiritual exaltation, such spectacular religious ritual, or in the immense volume of song and poetry and literature and dance that humans have produced.
God made only water, but man made wine.
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