Backbencher

This was our final lecture and it once again proposed some probing questions on history and those who choose to write it, whether in text, poetry or song form. We reviewed the background of each text author and were asked basic questions that may have shaped each man's viewpoint in the writing of historical books. The big question we all must ask ourse;ves, as students in history classes and in our education pursuits, is "Why Do we do History?"
Is it for: judgement? is it for identity? is it for (preserving) heritage? or is it for fun? I believe it can be for all four reasons, especially for the fun and exploration of it all! Learning about other caountries only enriches our perception and broadens our horizons. One point that was not made, was What about the memories of these authors? If not for memories, however embellished, distorted or previewed/reviewed, the past would not be told with as interesting a storyline! Of course, memories are subjective and may always be better in retrospect, than was in the actual time they took plpace. Old age gives memeories and history a certain spin, and we are all richer in our education for having heard and read these past adventures. Many of the books we have read for this class are based on a person's personal timeline and life experiences.
We would all be so lucky to have tales to tell future generations!

Suzanne Ready