Wrangling With History
History is written by the victor. That's what the saying is anyway... and it's probably quite true.
History may often then be written incorrectly or unfairly.
The other thing about history is, it's very hard to change. Wrong doings are hard to overturn. Mistakes are hard to make amends for. Lost trust takes a long time to rebuild. Incorrect facts may never get corrected.
How much effort is worth pouring into the past? Whether history was written unfactually, incorrectly or unfairly and we want to correct it, it is a momentous task to change it.
Here's the thing about history: It's not usually worth trying to change.
The same effort can be put into the future, and that we can shape and change. Sure, history informs and sets the path for the future. But the future is much more malleable and within our control.
Letting go of the past is one of the most empowering things we can do.
History may often then be written incorrectly or unfairly.
The other thing about history is, it's very hard to change. Wrong doings are hard to overturn. Mistakes are hard to make amends for. Lost trust takes a long time to rebuild. Incorrect facts may never get corrected.
How much effort is worth pouring into the past? Whether history was written unfactually, incorrectly or unfairly and we want to correct it, it is a momentous task to change it.
Here's the thing about history: It's not usually worth trying to change.
The same effort can be put into the future, and that we can shape and change. Sure, history informs and sets the path for the future. But the future is much more malleable and within our control.
Letting go of the past is one of the most empowering things we can do.
Comments
Post a Comment