This is the Ulmer side of my family on Christmas 2006! They are awesome! A few important members are missing, but they are never forgotten! 
Friday, December 7, 2007
The Ulmer side of the fam!
This is the Ulmer side of my family on Christmas 2006! They are awesome! A few important members are missing, but they are never forgotten! 
Monday, December 3, 2007
Why We Need History
"The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind; for in history you have a record of the infinite variety of human experience plainly set out for all to see; and in that record you can find for yourself and your country both examples and warnings; fine things to take as models, base things, rotten through and through, to avoid."
- Livy (ca. 59 B.C. - A.D. 17), Ab Urbe Condita (From the Foundation of the City of Rome) 1.1
Those of you reading this most likely know that I am a History fanatic!! I love everything about it...and one of my goals in life is to help people realize that history is fascinating and immensely important. Many older Americans view my generation as historically illiterate, and that may be partially true. However it is not entirely accurate. In a recent article by David McCullough, I read a statement about the study of history that puts my thoughts and passion into words. He wrote,
History is not just a subject that ought to be taught or read because it will make us a better citizen, although it will. Nor should we encourage young people to embrace history only because it creates more thoughtful and understanding human beings. Nor should we only share stories about the past because we will behave better. History should be taught for pleasure. The joy of history, like art or music or literature, consists of an expansion of the experience of being alive. And that is what education is largely about. (1) (Look in the current issue of American Heritage for the full article)
For those of you who are saying that history is boring and you could care less, I am begging you to reconsider. Historical vernacular, tendencies, and beliefs are a daily part of each of our lives. And yet many people tell me on a regular basis that they have no need for history in their lives. We are no different than our founding fathers in 1776. They were uncertain about what decisions to make, they disagreed with each other, and they feared the future...and yet they had the courage to make tough decisions in a time of great difficulty. We must begin making decisions that will affect our nation, our world, and the future. I challenge each of you to get involved. It doesn't have to be as drastic as joining the Peace Corps. It can be as simple as helping your community clean up a park, volunteering with your local food bank, or speaking out about something you believe in. Go make history yourself!
1. McCullough, David. "History and Knowing Who We Are." American Heritage. Winter 2008 Vol 58, No. 3.
- Livy (ca. 59 B.C. - A.D. 17), Ab Urbe Condita (From the Foundation of the City of Rome) 1.1
Those of you reading this most likely know that I am a History fanatic!! I love everything about it...and one of my goals in life is to help people realize that history is fascinating and immensely important. Many older Americans view my generation as historically illiterate, and that may be partially true. However it is not entirely accurate. In a recent article by David McCullough, I read a statement about the study of history that puts my thoughts and passion into words. He wrote,
History is not just a subject that ought to be taught or read because it will make us a better citizen, although it will. Nor should we encourage young people to embrace history only because it creates more thoughtful and understanding human beings. Nor should we only share stories about the past because we will behave better. History should be taught for pleasure. The joy of history, like art or music or literature, consists of an expansion of the experience of being alive. And that is what education is largely about. (1) (Look in the current issue of American Heritage for the full article)
For those of you who are saying that history is boring and you could care less, I am begging you to reconsider. Historical vernacular, tendencies, and beliefs are a daily part of each of our lives. And yet many people tell me on a regular basis that they have no need for history in their lives. We are no different than our founding fathers in 1776. They were uncertain about what decisions to make, they disagreed with each other, and they feared the future...and yet they had the courage to make tough decisions in a time of great difficulty. We must begin making decisions that will affect our nation, our world, and the future. I challenge each of you to get involved. It doesn't have to be as drastic as joining the Peace Corps. It can be as simple as helping your community clean up a park, volunteering with your local food bank, or speaking out about something you believe in. Go make history yourself!
1. McCullough, David. "History and Knowing Who We Are." American Heritage. Winter 2008 Vol 58, No. 3.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
