In her book, "A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century," Barbara W. Tuchman discusses the gap that often exists between the occurrence of significant historical events and the awareness or acknowledgment of these events by those in power. This delay can create various challenges and misinterpretations as rulers may not react appropriately or timely to the changes happening around them.

Tuchman's insights highlight how this lag can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities, as leaders may be slow to adapt or respond to unfolding situations. Such misalignment between actions and recognition can have profound implications on governance and societal stability, especially during tumultuous times like the 14th century.