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About this quote

What does it mean?
Historical knowledge reveals uncertainty about the truth of history.
In plain terms
Writing history makes one doubt its accuracy.
What can you take from it?
Historical study breeds skepticism about recorded truth.

Where it applies

  • academic research
  • historical analysis

Putting it to work

  • questioning historical narratives

Questions to consider

  • Can we ever know the past for sure?

Another view

History can still provide valuable insights despite uncertainty.

More from Henry Adams

  1. Henry James chews more than he bites off.

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  2. It is impossible to underrate human intelligence- beginning with one's own.

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  3. Everyone carries his own inch-rule of taste, and amuses himself by applying it, triumphantly, wherever he travels.

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