Iconic Filmmaker Ken Burns on Bringing History’s Greatest Stories Back to Life
Here are the top 10 key takeaways from Ken Burns' conversation on history, filmmaking, and American identity that reveal why his documentaries resonate so deeply with audiences.
1. History is not melodrama, but tragedy
Ken Burns emphasizes that history shouldn't be viewed as a simple battle between good and evil. He cites historian Barbara Tuchman who said "history is not melodrama, but tragedy." This perspective acknowledges that heroes have flaws and villains have redeeming qualities.
In the documentary about the American Revolution, Burns introduces Benedict Arnold as one of Washington's best generals. Only later does the audience learn of Arnold's betrayal. This approach shows the complexity of human nature and avoids reducing historical figures to caricatures. Burns believes this nuanced view offers a deeper understanding of history.
2. Simplicity on the other side of complexity
The conversation explores how we often cycle through different levels of understanding. Burns references Oliver Wendell Holmes' idea of not being interested in "simplicity on this side of complexity" but valuing "simplicity on the other side of complexity." This describes how true wisdom emerges.
When studying history, we might begin with simple narratives, then discover complications that challenge our understanding. Eventually, we can reach deeper truths that acknowledge complexity while still identifying fundamental principles. Burns gives the example of the Civil War – as a child you learn it was about slavery, then study suggests other factors, but deeper scholarship confirms it was indeed fundamentally about slavery.
3. The essence of American freedom is complicated
Burns discusses how freedom contains an inherent tension between "what we need" and "what I want." These competing interests create a complicated dynamic that shapes American history and human experience. Freedom requires responsibility and self-discipline.
The documentary filmmaker points out that the American experiment was founded on principles of self-governance, requiring citizens to exercise restraint and virtue. This connects to the stoic philosophy that influenced the Founding Fathers. The American Revolution represented a dramatic shift from being subjects to citizens, with all the responsibilities that entailed.
4. Cognitive dissonance as a powerful force in history
The conversation highlights how cognitive dissonance – holding contradictory beliefs simultaneously – has shaped historical events. People can vote against their self-interest and hold incompatible positions without recognizing the contradiction. This mental disconnect influences politics and society.
Burns discusses examples like people protesting against government healthcare while defending Medicare, not realizing Medicare is a government program. He also mentions Thomas Jefferson writing "all men are created equal" while owning hundreds of slaves. These contradictions reveal how people compartmentalize their thinking to avoid uncomfortable truths.
5. Washington and Jefferson represent different American archetypes
The podcast discusses how Washington and Jefferson embody contrasting American characters. Washington represents the disciplined, stoic leader who lived within his means and freed his slaves upon his death. Jefferson, despite his eloquent words about liberty, was perpetually in debt and could not free his slaves.
This contrast illuminates the gap between American ideals and practice. Washington, through self-discipline, gained the freedom to partially rise above self-interest. Jefferson, despite his philosophical brilliance, remained trapped by his lifestyle choices and unable to live according to his stated principles. This duality continues to play out in American life.
6. The American experiment draws from stoic philosophy
Burns explains how America's founding was influenced by stoic philosophy, which emphasizes self-discipline and virtue. The founders were "leaping back over the dark ages" to draw inspiration from classical Greek and Roman models of governance rather than contemporary monarchies.
The stoic idea that "the greatest empire is command of ourselves" informed the revolutionary concept that citizens would govern themselves rather than be ruled by a king. This required a population capable of virtue and self-restraint. Washington's decision to relinquish power exemplified this stoic ideal of placing principle above personal gain.
7. The Gettysburg Address distilled complex ideas into powerful simplicity
Burns describes Lincoln's Gettysburg Address as possibly "the greatest speech ever in the English language." In just ten sentences, Lincoln captured the essence of America's purpose and redefined the nation's commitment to equality. The address functions as a "2.0 version" of the Declaration of Independence.
The documentary "The Address" shows students with learning differences memorizing and reciting the Gettysburg Address. This process reveals how Lincoln crafted language that was both profound and accessible. Despite its brevity, the speech manages to encapsulate complex ideas about sacrifice, equality, and national purpose in a way that continues to resonate.
8. Leonardo da Vinci erased boundaries between disciplines
Burns discusses his documentary about Leonardo da Vinci, describing him as "the most inspiring person I've ever come across." Leonardo didn't separate art from science or other disciplines. He approached all subjects with intense curiosity and practical experimentation.
Leonardo's notebooks reveal someone who literally dissected subjects to understand them fully. He insisted on dissecting human bodies to accurately portray people in his paintings. This commitment to observation and experimentation led to discoveries centuries ahead of his time, including insights about heart valves that couldn't be verified until modern medical technology. His approach demonstrates the power of integrating knowledge across artificial boundaries.
9. Demagogues exploit dark human tendencies
The conversation touches on how certain leaders throughout history tap into destructive human impulses rather than restraining them. Burns references a film about the relationship between Roy Cohn and Donald Trump, showing how negative leadership traits can be transferred and amplified.
This pattern of exploiting divisive impulses for personal advancement has repeated throughout history. Burns connects this to the "paranoid style in American politics" that resurfaces periodically. The most dangerous moments occur when leaders choose to amplify these darker tendencies rather than appealing to people's better nature.
10. The power of storytelling to contain complexity
Burns celebrates storytelling as uniquely capable of holding contradictions and complexity. Unlike logical arguments that seek resolution, stories can maintain tension between opposing forces and reveal multiple truths simultaneously. This makes documentary filmmaking especially valuable for understanding history.
The filmmaker explains that "stories are able to contain the complexity and the undertoe that is present in everything and everyone." By embracing this approach, Burns avoids the oversimplification that often characterizes historical narratives. His documentaries acknowledge the messiness of human experience while still identifying meaningful patterns and connections.