Historians have an increasingly strong incentive to tell dramatic stories

In this web content, the author discusses the controversy surrounding the legacy of Henry Cort, an inventor known for his contributions to the iron industry during the Industrial Revolution. A new paper by Jenny Bulstrode argues that Cort actually stole his innovations from black slaves who developed them independently in Jamaica. However, another scholar, Oliver Jelf, has thoroughly debunked Bulstrode’s claims, pointing out the lack of evidence supporting her narrative. The author criticizes Bulstrode for potentially fabricating causes and effects to fit her predetermined ideological viewpoint. The author also warns about the danger of storytelling and narratives in historical studies, emphasizing the need for skepticism and critical thinking.

https://www.ian-leslie.com/p/stories-are-bad-for-your-intelligence

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