The tendency toward overspecialization in the study of artifacts is unfortunate. Scholars can enhance their understanding of a certain artistic period by studying art from earlier periods that had a significant influence on it. For instance, because of its influence on Spanish artisans, a proper understanding of Arabic porcelain is indispensable for a proper understanding of Spanish porcelain. Of the following, which one most closely conforms to the principle that the passage as a whole illustrates? ['To appreciate fully the French language, one must understand the other languages that share its linguistic ancestry.', 'To understand properly any academic discipline, one must have at least a superficial acquaintance with the practices of the wider academic community.', 'To understand fully the historical events of this century, a historian must have an understanding of similar events in earlier centuries.', "To understand completely Aristotle's philosophy, one must be well acquainted with the philosophy of his intellectual mentor, Plato."]