Re: “proof”, I think a major part of misunderstanding and angst comes from how students are taught history in the US. Most students only ever encounter historical ideas as one Truth, one narrative that all historians agree on because of course it’s in our textbook that way, ergo it has to be the Truth. Many are never asked to engage and question primary sources or the author’s intent/methods when reading about history. That’s why your blog is so important and refreshing.