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History provides context. But history is more than context. It informs us of our very being, our fabric. Where we came from, who we are - and it inspires us each with a vision for what is possible. There is a deep human yearning to know about our past. We see ourselves as part of an unfolding story. Needing to understand the past in order to write the continuation of our story.
There’s a familiar quote warning us that those who don’t remember history are condemned to repeat it. But even if this weren’t true, I believe we’d still be drawn to study history. We are deeply curious about where we have come from as a people – but perhaps even more so, as individuals. The popularity of ’23 and Me’ and ancestry.com give convincing proof that we are highly motivated to delve into our past in a search for connectedness – and in a way, for ‘meaning.’
Perhaps you can identify with an experience I had while growing up and that I truly treasure. Finding a fascination and a comfort in spending time with my grandfather and grandmother – listening to their stories. Hearing them tell me how they grew up, what the times were like back then, the struggles, as well as the proud accomplishments. And, about our relatives, their stories, how we were connected to them, the extended family, and the people my grandparents had come to know along the way. For me, and perhaps for you, these conversations helped set a context for my world and established a sense of history that could not have been replicated in any way.
Today, we often rush from one urgency to another. Every fad or new technology seems to tell us that all has begun anew. But the truth is that human nature endures. So very many of life’s experiences do repeat themselves, over and over again, throughout the years. The keen student of history understands this and appreciates the recurring nature of things. You can begin to see patterns, a rhythm – and even feel the ability to predict.
This is why history matters. It presents the reality of today – based upon the accurate recounting of the past. There are those elements of history that make us feel uncomfortable and we would wish to change. But, thought about differently, they provide us with the energy and the motivation to do better as we go forward, to create positive change and advancement in the future. At the same time, there are those elements of history that make us proud, that are noble, that inspire us, that serve as models or examples of what can be achieved – the great potential that lies within each one of us.
So, the next time, you have an opportunity to learn a bit more about the past, I urge you to take the time to absorb it, study it and most of all ask yourself how it relates to you, your life, and the world you have come to know. Let it inspire you to reach the full potential of your being. History truly does matter.
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