Meaning: The quote by Jared Diamond highlights the importance of introspection and preserved writings in understanding the ways of past humans. Diamond suggests that the knowledge we have about past human societies far surpasses what we know about the behaviors and patterns of past dinosaurs. He expresses optimism that through introspection and preserved writings, we can eventually arrive at convincing explanations for the broadest patterns of human history.

Introspection is the process of examining one's own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In the context of understanding human history, introspection allows individuals to reflect on the motivations, decisions, and cultural dynamics that have shaped societies throughout time. Preserved writings refer to the historical records, documents, and artifacts that have survived from past civilizations. These writings provide insights into the beliefs, practices, and social structures of ancient peoples.

Diamond's emphasis on the value of introspection and preserved writings underscores the significance of human consciousness and historical documentation in reconstructing and interpreting the past. While the study of dinosaurs relies heavily on fossil evidence and scientific inference, the study of human history benefits from the wealth of written records and cultural artifacts that have been preserved over millennia.

The quote also suggests a level of optimism regarding our ability to comprehend the broadest patterns of human history. Diamond's optimism stems from the belief that through the careful analysis of introspective insights and preserved writings, we can unravel the complexities of human societies and gain a deeper understanding of our collective past. This optimism reflects a confidence in the capacity of human intellect and scholarship to decipher the mysteries of history.

Jared Diamond, the author of the quote, is a renowned scholar whose work spans the fields of anthropology, geography, and evolutionary biology. He is best known for his influential books, including "Guns, Germs, and Steel" and "Collapse," which explore the interconnected factors that have shaped human societies and civilizations throughout history. Diamond's multidisciplinary approach to understanding human history aligns with his emphasis on the significance of introspection and preserved writings in unraveling the complexities of the past.

In conclusion, Jared Diamond's quote underscores the importance of introspection and preserved writings in gaining insights into the ways of past humans. It highlights the contrast between our knowledge of human history and the limited understanding of past dinosaurs, emphasizing the value of historical consciousness and written records in comprehending the broad patterns of human history. Diamond's optimism regarding our ability to arrive at convincing explanations for these patterns reflects a confidence in the power of introspective reflection and scholarly investigation to illuminate the complexities of our collective past.