About History

History: An observation of the past, told. This page contains and introduction to this blog of short histories. 

     

           That which happened this morning is history. That is, it is history when someone can tell me about it or if I witness it and tell you about it.  Basically it seems that history is told about that which which was happened.  I suspect that few historians would agree with this simplification. 

                By attending to a history one may learn not only about what happened, but also how it happened, and a lot more of what could be useful information. When history is seen as just a good story, it can be a pleasure. Even a history badly told can be useful.  Many have found a significant amount of history enjoyable and interesting.

                This history business is not always easy. For example, many would agree that a history not told by a historian is a story! Then again a true story might be thought a history. But then again there are historians who are falsifiers. Not easy.

                A lot more can be said and is said about history. For example, it is said that historians record and present in accord with their worldviews and perspectives.  Most record it as they see it. Others have recorded it a they would have us see it.  A great many historians embrace truth and reality, in accord with hey have seen it and understood it. I think that their interest in reality is great.   

                I believe that you could be a historian. When you valu evidence, know a true story, and have a realistic imagination, you may be a pretty good one. However, many will call you a story teller unless you have documents as your principle source of evidence.

                Many professional historians tend to examine changes as an important part of their work. The y examine all sorts of changes; cultural, 
economic, technological, and many more.

                History is not a science. It has an immense number of variables, yet has no laboratory. Historians do have the advantage of hindsight and they use that advantage. They may also ask  questions such as, "How did we get into this mess" and "Why did that happen?" At other times they may suspend judgment and place themselves in the context of the moment. 

                When I think about it, there seems to be a very great deal to learn. I may write more about it after I give it a it more thought.

                It may be time to provide some details about the actual posts on History With RCS. I should probably also do something about consolidating the introductory notes on these pages. I should live so long.

                                                                                    by Richard