Not the historians. No, not them. Their greatest crime is that they presume to know what happened, how things come about, when they have only what the past chose to leave behind-for the most part, they think what they were meant to think, and it's a rare one that sees what really happened, behind the smokescreen of artifacts and paper.
In "Dragonfly in Amber," Diana Gabaldon critiques historians for their presumption of understanding historical events. She suggests that their interpretations are often shaped by limited evidence and preconceived notions, leading to a filtered view of the past that may not reflect reality. Most historians rely on the artifacts and documents that survive, which may obscure the true essence of historical events.
Gabaldon's observation highlights the struggle of historians to uncover genuine truths while grappling with the incomplete narratives left behind. Their interpretations, shaped by societal influences and expectations, can create a smokescreen that distorts understanding. It is a rare historian who is able to see beyond these constraints to grasp what truly transpired in history.
