Time Quote by Marc Bloch
““Similarly, when it is not the past that we are studying, but some set of phenomena relating to a principle still active, we expect to be told whenever a new piece of evidence may emerge, in the light of which it is quite possible that the whole elaborate structure of our conclusions will have to be changed.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Historian's Craft, Marc Bloch, 1949
When studying ongoing principles, new evidence can overturn our entire framework of conclusions.
In simple terms: New data can force us to revise our whole understanding.
Key Takeaway
Stay open to revising beliefs when fresh evidence appears.
Themes
history
science
epistemology
Mood
curious
analytical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- research
- policy making
- legal judgments
- scientific theory
Key Concepts
paradigm shift
evidence evaluation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you handle evidence that contradicts your core assumptions?
- What mechanisms ensure timely revision of conclusions?
A Different Perspective
Evidence may be scarce or ignored, delaying necessary change.
![“When it is a question of ascertaining whether or not some human act has really taken place, [historians] cannot be too painstaking. If they proceed to the reasons for that act, they are content with the merest appearance, ordinarily founded upon one of those maxims of common-place psychology which…” quote by Marc Bloch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d8/marc-bloch-29830_historian_when-it-is-a-question-of-ascertaining-wh_2022138.jpg)
