I spend a lot of time looking backwards because I love learning about historical events, understanding what happened in the past and why and learning about the people and places that make up human and natural history. History isn't for everyone though, I know many people who say they have no interest in it which, I believe, is a lost opportunity.
There's so much to be learned from looking back in time and by, evaluating and understanding what went rightly or wrongly then determining what to do or not do in the present can make the here and now and the future much more agreeable from a personal perspective and generally. A lot of progression and growth can be found by building on concepts from, or rectifying the faults of, the past.
Does history suck?
The answer is probably yes and no because we've all had things that went well or badly in our lives and the same generally and, I think, it's a safe bet to say many of us have learned from them - and also that so many have not.
I can look back on specific moments in my life and remember thinking at the time, this fucken sucks ass, and even now, years later, that emotion bubbles up but if objective about it I have to acknowledge that those moments, helped me grow and develop, think differently, find solutions, delve into my own thoughts and feelings and eventually changed my path - mostly it's been for the better, a better present and future. Of course, the past is always just one second behind us and as one goes through life errors, faults and mistakes happen as does happenstance and chance and things outside of our direct control. When it's all said and done though, past moments can really suck and they can't be changed but by learning, overcoming, adapting and having the right attitude and mindset on a sucky past those bad moments can have value and can be changed and the good ones replicated or improved upon.
I think it's important to look backwards while thinking and focusing forwards, and equally important not to dwell on the past and live in it.
If I could change certain things about my life I probably would but there's much I would not because it's my past, my personal history that has shaped me along the way and helped me create an enjoyable, fulfilled and meaningful life; will I look back on my history from this very moment at some stage and think some of it sucked? I have no doubt that I will, but with an ethos based around learning from every moment or occurrence in my life I know I'm well-placed to enjoy an upward life-trend from the three core things I want from it: enjoyment, fulfillment and meaning.
What are your thoughts in this topic, if you have any thoughts at all? What has worked for you, or not, do you blind yourself from seeking your own history or that of the world around you and if so why or do you want to see it, understand and learn? Feel free to comment below if you want to.
Design and create your ideal life, tomorrow isn't promised - galenkp
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People have often accused me of living in the past and for the most part I agree. Researching the dark and middle ages especially intrigues me. How a cathedral under construction would employ a man for his entire life and still not be finished. Compared to current construction practices of sticks and fabricated bricks, we are far below previous standards of beauty and longevity. Not to mention security, anyone have a spare trebuchet? This is a subject about which I should keep my mouth closed though, because once started, I can't stop LOL
Modern conveniences are nice and would be hard to give up. I'm sure the medieval folks would have said the same thing about their lives, as each age was essentially living on the leading edge of human advancements. Knowing all that, I do take from the past, to blend into my present to make my life enjoyable. We will never live long enough to know all the things we wish we knew, and that keeps the thirst for knowledge alive and well. There are folks who look mainly to the future, space travel, flying cars etc. but for me, the past is infinitely more interesting. Great topic and I will be thinking about it all day now lol. See there?.....now I've gone and added a whole new paragraph after I said I'd shut up lol..oops!
Firstly, I would bd most happy to install a couple of trebuchet's in my yard with some trained crews to operate them; I'd be the envy of all my mates!
I tend to agree with you, the past seems far more interesting to me but I have that thirst for knowledge I guess and with the future being uncertain there's no knowledge to come of it because it hasn't happened yet; I don't get excited about the future, I don't think it looks very bright.
I think it's a good topic and I wanted to make it about personal history because I know so many people try to deny or forget about what's gone by them and I don't see that as a benefit; remembering (understanding) and making things better seems more prudent.
Busted! I did understand it was geared more toward personal history, but once I got started I just couldn't stop myself. Yes, a myriad of regrets and tons of remorse, but would I change things much? Some things yes, of course, but the majority would stay...it's what makes me uniquely me. I have never fit into a cookie cutter mold of what one would want as a wife, daughter, sister, mother or aunt....and I like it that way. If you could go back and change one thing in your past, would you even be the same person today?
I certainly have taken missteps from my past and learned from them to create a more pleasurable, productive current life. Somethings are too daft to dwell on and I haven't learned a damned thing from them lol. I still have more to think about on this subject.
Changing the past (if possible) would change the present person also and that would bring a whole other set of changes or possibilities in the future. It's best to accept that whatever happened happened, for better or worse, and react to that. The problems arise when those course direction changes are not made. We most adapt, learn, overcome, improve and so forth, that is where better presents and futures start.
I think you're on the right track and your last line...I'd like to see a post on it from you; maybe I'll make a weekend-engagement topic about it.
Hmm...let's see here
Would that be this last line from the first paragraph?
Or perhaps this one?
My time as nursemaid is beginning to lessen a bit...it's been a full week now, so more time will be available after Wed/Thur. medical appointments.
The last line, "still have more to think about on this subject."
It suggested there's more thought to come if it and I'd be interested to read it someday.
When I wrote my posts I do so for myself but I'm often interested to hear what other people have to say about the topics I have on my mind at the time because other people's thoughts are sometimes of value, their perspectives.
I may just give that a go!
I majored in history in college but now after a lifetime of observation, I no longer believe most of what I was taught. History is written by the victors and I think you might agree that we've seen much fabricated history recorded in our own time.
As to my personal history, I feel sometimes I've learned nothing and am still making the same mistakes.
But perhaps there's still time:)
Absolutely, we are surrounded by, and fed, lies daily. But as for our personal histories, we've lived it and have the benefit of being able to react to it. Alas, many fail to do so, or lie to themselves about how their personal history so fail to benefit from it.
History doesn’t suck, period
In school, we were taught a phrase that said: ... Who does not know his history is doomed to repeat it ... and it couldn’t be more true.
As for personal history, I don’t have much yet 😅, but when I look back and learn from what I did wrong, I see myself acting differently now. So, looking back is essential for growth and moving forward I think 😁
Yep, that's a rather popular quote on history. I was going to use it in my post but decided it was too obvious so didn't. Glad you mentioned it though.
You've got a lifetime of personal history, just a short lifetime is all; just don't make the mistake of ignoring it.
I must say that I missed not seeing a phrase at the beginning
I like those phrases; they serve as a summary of the text but set the right mood to read it. It's like a Galen's watermark 😁
A very current topic, although the word does not show it, the past. Our history and the history of a country of peoples. Studying it allows us to know to a great extent our customs, even if today we want to change them. I especially like to watch period films, as well as novels, they are very interesting. How people lived in those castles and how ordinary people lived. Everything has changed so much that the vast majority of young people are not interested in history, only in the present. If we ignore history, how can we know who we are and where we come from.
Those ruins you show in the photos say a lot and for those who study them, for me they still preserve their beauty. I take this opportunity to greet you, and wish you a good end of the year.
🤗😘
There's always going to be changes, time makes sure of that, so I think there's benefit in understanding what was so we're able to change what is. I think you agree.
I've never really understood people who don't like History. I've tried to see it through their eyes, but it's so vibrant and alive, I can't imagine not being drawn to it even if it is something you can't change.
Yeah, I'm the same, it just doesn't make sense to me.
I studied archeology, so I’m definitely interested in the history of the world, my culture, and cultures around the world. My past…hmmm…of course, I want to change a few things and do it one more time, but because of my past, I am who I am today. But maybe it is time to learn more about my family's past…Not only about my grandparents but waaay more back :)
I did my family's ancestry back to the middle of the 14th century...took me a few years but it was a rewarding experience and I feel I know myself better for having done it; I like knowing where I came from and from who. So for sure, I recommend people do it. ✅
There is something called transgenerational healing, which means investigating our past, even that of our parents and grandparents, in order to understand the present and heal the future. I did it and I was able to understand many things and from there to change my life. Understanding the past is fundamental if I want a better future. Thank you Galen.
No matter what it's called it seems to make a lot of sense to investigate what happened in the past to help shape the future and it makes zero sense to ignore the past.
Exactly, but there are many who cover it up or hide it, I know people like that.
It's a great pity that those who lead the world either didn't want to study history or they did, and today everything they do is to the detriment of humanity. Well, how long have civilizations existed, and by their behavior and actions, they destroyed themselves.
I look behind me, remember the wrong decisions and try not to repeat the same mistakes. I'm not one of those people who try to forget their past. There is nothing there to be ashamed of, just examples of behavior that I can improve in the future.
I figured you'd be on the ball and see value in understanding the past with the view to making a better future.
Sometimes or apparently all the times seeking the truth can hurt and destroy so bad,.some histories twist out the real story and make us see and believe what they want us to, because if the real history is realeased it might cause chaos especialy people fighting about it if it's real or not
That's definitely, maybe a possibility for sure.
Yahh .maybe 😀
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." - George Santayana
Wise words you quote from a wise person who said them.
The more history we know, the better we recognize the problems and the more we can learn from the mistakes of the past but in practice this is not usually the case, we tend to forget the past very easily and we fall back into the same thing, for example, we have already had a few wars for different reasons and we have not learned anything, we continue with the same self-destruction among brothers
Yeah, humans are pretty fucken stupid most of the time.
It is important to know history because otherwise we will be condemned to repeat past mistakes or we will simply not evolve to the level we want to reach, even though circumstances change there are elements of the past that cannot be desperately let go in our daily lives.
You say it well and pretty much exactly what I said in my post huh?
Just as I was able to read your content, I agree with what I told you.
I wouldn't want to change the past but I wouldn't try and dwell or remember it...
The past is past... So ever forward... That's how I roll...
Don't want to remember your past? Fair enough, loads of lessons you'll not be learning. That's one way to roll. Good luck with your future.
There is some sort of uncertainties when trying to look back the lane of history. There are some incidents which we don't like to remember due to the foolish mistakes we make then.
At the same time, there are lovely memories that thrill our hearts whenever we remember them.
Truly, there are many lessons to learn from history
The foolish mistakes a person makes are learning opportunities, that's the whole message of this post.
So sad that sometimes we only see the remnants of the past. Wars and hostilities destroy great relics and structures created by our great ancestors. They have stood the tests of time but they have no much to the destructive nature of some men. !BBH !LOLZ
Human beings are the most consistently destructive thing on this planet.
This post is great
Thanks for commenting.
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