If the historian will submit himself to his material instead of trying to impose himself on his material, then the material will ultimately speak to him and supply the answers.
In her book "Practicing History: Selected Essays," Barbara W. Tuchman emphasizes the importance of historians being receptive to their sources. She argues that instead of projecting their own biases or interpretations onto historical materials, historians should allow the materials themselves to guide their understanding. By doing so, the sources will reveal insights and answers that may not be evident from a preconceived perspective.
Tuchman's idea promotes a more authentic engagement with historical evidence, suggesting that a historian’s humility in the face of their research can lead to a deeper and more accurate comprehension of the past. This approach values the voices of history as they emerge organically, enabling a more genuine narrative to unfold from the data rather than forcing a predetermined storyline.
