I think you're low balling the importance of reading primary sources.
It's not just about collecting the facts. It's a matter of getting a feel for the real thing. With Hitler, Darwin, Marx, Freud - reading their actual words takes you more into their minds. In my case, I read that stuff and only marginally understood most of it- but I think it was worthwhile to wade through those waters while I still had the energy. Maybe I was kidding myself but I felt like I was building a foundation.
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