Accounts Quote by Barbara Tuchman
“Disaster is rarely as pervasive as it seems from recorded accounts. The fact of being on the record makes it appear continuous and ubiquitous whereas it is more likely to have been sporadic both in time and place.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Great War and Modern Memory, 1971
Disasters appear continuous in records, but they are often sporadic in time and place.
In simple terms: Records exaggerate disaster frequency.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the episodic nature of crises.
Themes
history
media
perception
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
historical
educational
When to use this quote
- risk assessment
- emergency planning
- journalism
- education
Key Concepts
record bias
episodic events
public awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate between perception and reality?
- What data helps you see true patterns?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis may cause panic.
![“The clergy [in the 14th century] on the whole were probably no more lecherous or greedy or untrustworthy than other men, but because they were supposed to be better or nearer to God than other men, their failings attracted more attention.” quote by Barbara Tuchman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/558/barbara-tuchman-3945_attention_the-clergy-in-the-14th-century-on-the-wh_159681.jpg)
