A line, perhaps the most poignant, from President Barack Obama‘s inauguration speech. He is, clearly, emblematic of that “better history.” I hope for the best, and for change, but also ask: Do we choose history, or does history choose us?
A line, perhaps the most poignant, from President Barack Obama‘s inauguration speech. He is, clearly, emblematic of that “better history.” I hope for the best, and for change, but also ask: Do we choose history, or does history choose us?
January 21, 2009 at 6:22 am |
You’re the historian. What do you think?
January 21, 2009 at 11:08 am |
I think the question of free will is irresolvable. And always will be…
January 22, 2009 at 7:13 am |
“Historia testis temporum, lux veritas, magistra vitae, vita memoriae, nuntia vetustatis.”
“History is the witness of time, light of truth, teacher of life, life of memory, and messenger of the past.”
- Cicero, De oratore II.9.36
January 23, 2009 at 11:53 am |
By definition we chose history.
First of all, you choose a his-story — you choose which story, which perspective to engage in — right — its not like their is only one history, one story, one perspective…As a historian you are well versed in this notion.
Second, history necessarily looks backward, so again you can’t say history chooses us because it isn’t yet history — it only becomes history after the fact. It’s the present at all times. And we choose our present moments every moment, then it becomes history and we get to choose which version of it we want to believe or acknowledge.
So by definition we choose history. History doesn’t have the capacity to choose us.
January 23, 2009 at 2:26 pm |
Michael: Neat quote. I like the “teacher of life” part…
isis2024: You’re being too literal and rational about it. The idea that history “chooses us” is more a reflection on fate and destiny, and even the idea that our history shapes us and our future. To be thrust upon the world stage, to be a particular person at a particular moment (i.e. a crucial moment), this is to be “chosen” by history…
January 23, 2009 at 6:32 pm |
It’s still bogus. :P
January 28, 2009 at 1:46 pm |
I believe history does choose us…But what do I know anyway? It’s all my fate and destiny — beliefs, knowledge, wisdom etcetera…What do I know?… It is a great message though.