Ambiguity Quote by Christopher Hitchens
“Those of us who write and study history are accustomed to its approximations and ambiguities. This is why we do not take literally the tenth-hand reports of frightened and illiterate peasants who claim to have seen miracles or to have had encounters with messiahs and prophets and redeemers who were, like them, mere humans. And this is also why we will never submit to dictation from those who display a fanatical belief in certainty and revelation.”
About This Quote
Source Book: God Is Not Great, Christopher Hitchens, 2007
History must be treated as interpretive, not literal, because sources are often biased and vague.
In simple terms: History is interpretive, not literal.
Key Takeaway
Question sources critically.
Themes
history
interpretation
bias
faith
truth
Mood
thoughtful
skeptical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- media analysis
- public discourse
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
epistemology
critical thinking
historical method
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify historical claims?
- What role does bias play in narratives?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on literalism can obscure nuance.
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