Is History Dead or Alive?

“I once was a hunter for my tribe in a wilderness. There is nothing more honorable than helping to feed those you love.

I once was a farmer who scratched the land to grow crops that would feed my people. There is nothing more honorable than to take God’s gifts and turn them into food for your tribe.

I once was a soldier who defended my nation against those who would disrupt the balance of our nation. There’s nothing more honorable than defending your people.

I once was an artist who brought wonder to the masses by glorifying our God. There’s nothing more honorable than showing the way.

I once was a scientist who discovered the wonders of the natural world. There is nothing more honorable than understanding the universe we live in.

I once was a sociologist who studied human nature. There is nothing more honorable than understanding God’s greatest creation.

I once was a technologist who created new ways to ease the work load of both companies and workers. There is nothing more honorable than making other’s live’s more tolerable and pleasant.”

This was inspired by this song by Tim Buckley, “Once I Was” from what seems oh so long ago (the late 60s… early 70s?). But I began to think it was not so long ago when you think back to the endeavors that each individual, through time has brought to us with love and honor… from prehistory ‘till now. So many ordinary heroes long forgotten.

What’s the value of history? It’s certainly not a popular past-time to think of the long forgotten past. If nothing else, then to honor those who lived, sacrificed, felt our fears and hopes and dreams before us, and died for us, not just in recent wars, but throughout our long experience on earth.

Our current politics and hatreds and nationalism seem like dust in the wind when put in the perspective of the past. It is mankind that we have been fighting for, but we have forgotten that somehow.

We all could say, “Will you ever remember me?”