In individuals as in nations, contentment is silent, which tends to unbalance the historical record.
In her book "A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century," Barbara W. Tuchman points out that both individuals and nations often remain quiet when they are content. This silence can create an imbalance in the historical narrative, as only the struggles and conflicts are recorded, overshadowing the periods of satisfaction and stability.
Tuchman's observation highlights the tendency of history to focus on turmoil, leading to an incomplete understanding of the past. The unnoticed moments of prosperity and peace are crucial for a well-rounded view of history, yet they are frequently overlooked in favor of dramatic events.