Bill Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything" explores the gaps in our understanding of history and science. These gaps, or patchiness in the record, give the impression that each new discovery is a sudden revelation rather than part of a continuous narrative. Each find seems to appear out of nowhere, highlighting the fragmented nature of our knowledge and how new information can dramatically shift our perspectives.

This quote emphasizes the idea that scientific progress is not always linear; instead, it is marked by unexpected breakthroughs. The suddenness of each discovery draws attention to the complexities of knowledge accumulation, reminding us that every new piece of information builds upon the scattered puzzle pieces we already possess. Understanding this helps us appreciate the unique significance of each finding.