What do you think of this quote?

Question

"Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it."--by George Santayana
Also, do you like the subject of history? Why or why not?

Answer 1

I've heard it before, and absolutely agree. Unfortunately, we hardly value the teaching of history in our schools -as a middle school teacher, I've encountered countless students who know nothing about the American Revolution or the foundation of our country, but are required to study the geography and cultures of Africa and Asia, without even emphasizing their past and present links with the U.S. It's a shame, and I (among others) bring in as much as time allows. History is an interest of mine; many of my travels are built around historical sites, and I enjoy reading historical fiction as well as biographies and factual accounts. Ambrose and Shaara are two of my favorite authors. I believe we owe it to our predecessors and descendants to study and learn from history.

Answer 2

I think it's true. We see patterns in history that follow events and we see these patterns repeated in war - in the beginnings of war but also in daily lives.

I love history.....I like the glimpse into the past it gives us. History was written by the winners so written history should always be read with a grain of salt as it represents actual events but you do get a look into the minds of the day.

Answer 3

I agree. I mean, how many times in our individual lives do we repeat the same mistakes and create a negative pattern of behavior because we don't learn?

I like the subject of history, but I prefer to read about the daily lives of people in different times and cultures, not the battles and such.

Answer 4

The point of the quote is that if you do not learn from the past and other people doings then you may go throught the same dilemmas. I think it is a smart quote.

History is great. Just remember to take all things with a grain of salt and understand that different versions will come out based upon who thw writer (or re-writer) of that history is.

Answer 5

It is a simple truism, proved on a daily basis.

Which is why the United States is quickly becoming a third world balkanization of stupid factions and bankrupt ideas.
Heaven forbid we humans do something lofty and enduring like base a society on Laws and Reason.

Hence, Constitutional Republicanism ! Wow, what a concept!

But...
In the long run, given a choice, stupid people choose the comfort of chains over the responsibility of freedom.
Pure democracy leads to.......tyranny !

Answer 6

I agree with that quote.
I do enjoy the subject of history.
I believe that there is wisdom in examining what we have done in the past because there is nothing new under the sun.
However, I am limited on my knowledge and am slowly learning more and more. I hope that my children will be more prepared than I ever was.

Answer 7

I think that's very true. That's why its so important to remember things like the Holocaust and the Witch Trials. They keep people from being able to get away with the same thing in the future. Too bad it doesn't seem to work with War monuments.

Answer 8

Its TRUE. We are seeing it. Yes, I like reading history. People do not change. More later.

Answer 9

History is very interesting, if you don't know where you been you don't know where you going. But HIS-tory is very one-sided, so i advise everyone to learn all about the past from all aspects

Answer 10

this is so true-george senor meet george junior-keep the peace old hippie here