One Vision of History
For other visions of history see special "Pages" of this blog site.
History of what? Historians have typically found it interesting and often useful to see human activity as falling into a grand variety of topics such as economics, baseball, archaeology, gardening, politics, games, anthropology, sex, law and literature. Your interest probably has a recorded history.
I am interested in a variety of our doings. Who we are and how we are doing have often been high on my list of interests. Our deep roots and that of which we have been capable also often attract me. However, I have also been diverted by giants, dragons, alchemy, and extinction events.
History has been thought of as record of how people have met their desires and needs. One may write a history of her morning breakfast. Some may want to call that herstory. However, if she claims that it is honest and true it may well called a history. Let me repeat, she may call it a story. However, especially if it represents an attempt at honesty, it can be called a history as soon as it is published. We often want to read a history which is record of the instructive. Wise men and women have long felt that a familiarity with that record is useful in guiding their actions to success. A good history could direct you well.
Many have found that ignorance of the past is predictive of failure in the present. Our knowledge of history can orient our actions of today to better effect.
Our history is often the record of how we got where we are. But some see much of history as a kind of photographic snapshot; as sort of a stop action to allow better observation; a way which can enhance the quality of our observation of a happening and so improve our interpretation and understanding of that happening. At times a history can be a useful way of reviewing a record of, or interpretation of what we do or done in a given circumstance. The result could provided useful direction for rebuilding an engine without the customary tools. A give history may provided an even more helpful and powerful orientation.
It is good to remember that a man called historian may be a damn liar.
I my experience most historians intend to be helpful. Some succeed more than others.
A doing which is is set down as history may have occurred 20,000 years ago or at breakfast this morning. Let me add that historically a history has had to have been written by an observer or an interpretation of an observer. More simply, history was done in a time when writing was available. History may not always depend directly on reality. Reality is scarce. We do very much like our history to be and may reject it if it is not a pretty good attempt to be honest.
A decent historian depends very much on evidence. That history is often very aware that the quality of evidence varies. He very often likes to be informed by reliable documentation. Some say that a history must have documentation and I very much appreciate documentation. However, during most of the time we are learning about there is no documentation available to us. Geologists look into times that preceded most life on earth and tell us of their findings. I find that account of the past a kind of history. Archaeologist uncover and and date mostly man made stuff. They interpret and document their findings. I call their findings prehistory.
I like chronology. I interpret it and analyze it and can enjoy the work of others who do the same. the quality of a historians work is important, appreciated, and subject to our analysis and interpretation.
I enjoy the story in history. I like it better when it is positively useful. I most often find it best when it helps me to approach reality.
You may enjoy the the introductory "Pages" here.
Thanks for reading.
rcs
