Using the clues in Homer's work to calculate where it was, he found it, excavated it, and discovered its treasures. Sources we rely on may be wrong because people were actively trying to distort the historical record with self-serving explanations of events. Even if we assemble a montage of all those different viewpoints, we have to assume our information is still incomplete. So, a little humility is called for when we use evidence to prove our point, a little awareness that the evidence may change, and our arguments with them. We need to remember that something can be true and nonetheless wrong.
Truth is, after all, so dimly lit.
My former husband, Bob Block, died recently. If you're interested, you can visit the memorial page I built for him and a photo gallery of his life, mine, and our son's. My Word's Worth Archive Current column Ex Libris my weekly e-zine for librarians and information junkies. My thinking is always a work in progress. I welcome your thoughts.