Quote of the Day (William McNeill, on ‘The Principal Reason for Studying the Past’)
“Reading, writing, and teaching history contributes
more than most other intellectual disciplines to the unending evolution of
ideas and ideals whereby people seek to regulate their public conduct. Indeed,
the principal reason for studying the past is that it promotes the formulation
and reformulation of useful myths about the conduct of public affairs, creates
and confirms public identities, and offers models of behavior for leaders and
followers alike that help to guide us through present perplexities.”— Canadian-American
historian William H. McNeill (1917-2016), “Make Mine Myth,” The New York Times,
Dec. 28, 1981
“Reading, writing, and teaching history contributes
more than most other intellectual disciplines to the unending evolution of
ideas and ideals whereby people seek to regulate their public conduct. Indeed,
the principal reason for studying the past is that it promotes the formulation
and reformulation of useful myths about the conduct of public affairs, creates
and confirms public identities, and offers models of behavior for leaders and
followers alike that help to guide us through present perplexities.”— Canadian-American
historian William H. McNeill (1917-2016), “Make Mine Myth,” The New York Times,
Dec. 28, 1981
Wow - I would have appreciated this quote when I segued into teaching English and US history to junior high 8th graders in 1993, continuing until 2016. I will pass this quote on to my protege, a former student who has chosen to carry the torch.
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