Analysis Quote by Timothy Garton Ash
“The first job of the historian and of the journalist is to find facts. Not the only job, perhaps not the most important, but the first. Facts are the cobblestones from which we build roads of analysis, mosaic tiles that we fit together to compose pictures of past and present. There will be disagreement about where the road leads and what reality or truth is revealed by the mosaic picture. The facts themselves must be checked against all the available evidence. But some are round and hard--and the most powerful leaders in the world can trip over them. So can writers, dissidents and saints.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Lives of Others by Timothy Garton Ash, 2015
Historians and journalists must first gather reliable facts before interpreting events, though facts can be elusive and leaders may overlook them.
In simple terms: Facts first, then analysis.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize fact‑checking.
Themes
history
journalism
truth
analysis
evidence
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
explanatory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research
- reporting
- policy making
- education
Key Concepts
critical thinking
source verification
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify facts?
- What biases affect your analysis?
A Different Perspective
Facts can be misinterpreted or ignored.
