I agree, but I think that kind of factor is very different to what the comment I was replying to was talking of, in "because distributing our efforts over diffe

I agree, but I think that kind of factor is very different to what the comment I was replying to was talking of, in "because distributing our efforts over different areas gives us a broader view of history" as if it was some sort of co-ordination with the goal of creating a broader view. What you're talking about is an individual seeking novelty.