How do you prevent history from repeating itself?

Question

Given that you grew up in an environment wherein the older generations are not good character models, how do you go about getting rid of these qualities which are inculcated in your character as a person? How do you prevent yourself from repeating the same mistakes that you despise/dislike from them? What would it take in your character as an individual to depart from these habits?

Answer 1

Different cultures feel differently about their elders. I work with several folks of Inupiat (Alaska Native) heritage and they are very keen on traditions of elders and honoring their older family members. I think many native peoples share similar traditions. Here in the U.S. most non-native folks don't pay much attention to their ancestry. I know very little about my grand-parents for example. Of course they are all gone now but mom and dad never talked much about them at all.
What I am keenly aware of however is the character of my father and I vowed very early on that I would never be like him. I'll spare the details (they are recorded in another answer) but suffice it to say he was not a good role model. I have never really had a problem making sure my behavior did not mimic his. Even today I think of how he may have reacted when I encounter new or challenging situations. I imagine how he would handle it and then I do pretty much the opposite after I've considered the alternatives.
Dad was a very vocal bigot. He hated Jews and Christians and Blacks and Democrats and Hispanics and Indians and Italians and pretty much all indigenous peoples. In other words, nearly everyone who wasn't a Caucasian American wasn't worth his time. As I said, he wasn't bashful about his feelings and he readily shared them with my siblings and me. He also was a liar and a cheat and a wife beater and he disowned my brother and sister and left me $1.00 of his estate when he died. Good old dad.
The thing to remember is that we are our own person, each of us. I have never behaved the way I was taught by dad's example. I knew it was wrong and I refused to be like he was. You also know what is right and you are responsible only for your own actions. It's true we learn values from our elders, but we also know the difference between right and wrong. We have an internal moral code that guides us. For many of us, our faith plays a huge role as well. We incorporate the ideas and precepts that we learn from the Bible or the Koran or the Torah, etc.
The bottom line is that we are not genetically bound to behave as our elders behaved. We have no inborn predisposition to act like bottom-feeders. We do what we choose to do and we make our own decisions. We all know what's right and wrong. The classic excuse "it's how I was raised" doesn't really hold that much water, for me anyway. We all act the way we choose.
We must remember that all people have worth. Every culture is precious and unique. But in all there can be good and bad examples. It's up to us to choose for ourselves.
I know what's appropriate, you know what's right and wrong. Will dad roll over in his grave if I say a kind word to a non-Caucasian? Probably. But that's his problem, not mine. People are to be appreciated for the richness and differences in them. All people.
When faced with choices just do the right thing. It's not hard and you will know in your heart which words to use and which deeds to do. Let God and common human decency guide you. Nothing to it. You will do the right thing, always!

Answer 2

Part of maturity is learning to recognize our parents and elders are human beings, complete with strengths and flaws. There is genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and nurturing components to our make-up. Our elders can teach us what works and what doesn’t work. Actions frequently speak louder than words. There is an additional component that is frequently overlooked, and it is one of spirit.

We participate in our circumstance on some level. We are here to assist others, to learn, and enhance our spiritual growth. Part of this stems from a quiet acceptance of our circumstance and then moving forward with the hand we have been dealt…in faith there is something of value to learn from it…and to benefit others. Sometimes…the greater the adversity, the greater the spirit.

Answer 3

We are too stiff necked a people,our god is material things,
sensual pleasures,we want it all now,when I was a
child immigrants worked YEARS for their car and
home,now they barely get here and they want it all now,
to avoid a repeat of history means the I and everyone
else must change the way we think and that is very hard,
we must change the way we think about life,to do that
we must change the way we FEEL,we must totally
reevaluate our world and make serious choices about
what we honestly value.And as a nation,that's not
going to happen,No,our next cleansing will be
with fire,Fire is a cleansing,purifying element and our
Master shall play his puppets,religious zealots to
fulfill the prophecies,Amen.

Answer 4

"Everything in nature acts in conformity."

--Immanuel Kant

Why should any one feel Guilty...?

Yesterday's corrects need not be today's corrects so as the mistakes. Instilling the VALUE system within, that's the Key. While jk says VALUE that means Verified and Aligned Link within with that Ultimate Entity ...

luv and SAI RAM,
jk
http://athmavidya.250free.com

Answer 5

Burn the history books and then you won't know it was done before.

Seriously, there is no way to stop history from repeating itself unless the people involved have experienced the pain and suffering themselves.

Answer 6

Learn from the mistakes, and change your way of thinking,

A classic quote: "If we do things the say way, why should we expect results to be different."

Answer 7

1.) remove yourself from that environment, become independent and strike out on your own
2.) learn from other positive role models around you
3.) Be aware of your tendencies, and impose self displine in your life to stop them

Answer 8

By learning from others' mistakes.

Answer 9

Do not wish anything, do not expect for anything from the people, do not want anything material.
Only grows internally, the response is in you.

Answer 10

you learn your history. You can't really prevent it but you can be part of it