by Wayne Leon Learmond

Created on: May 23, 2010   Last Updated: May 24, 2010

History is the Great Recorder. Whether we like it or not, history records our legacy for future generations to see.  History matters because it is a stark reminder to us all of our mistakes and horrors of the past. Whether we did good or bad, history will record it all, that is why it matters, because history stops us from repeating those horrors of the past - or it should.

Yet time and again we find ourselves repeating those horrors of the past. The saying 'history repeats itself is very true. For if we do not learn from history, then like a needle stuck in a groove, we continue to repeat those horrors over and over until we finally do learn and move on. If history did not exist then it would be even worse for us, for how then would we teach our children, those future generations who will follow us, not to repeat our actions of the past?

History is of paramount importance to our learning process while we are alive on this Earth.  It neither admonishes us or praises us, but simply records those actions that we have done for all to see in the future.  With hindsight and a heavy heart we look back at all what we have done and strive for a better world for the future.

Mankind is basically good, yet therein lies the paradox, for within ourselves is a streak of evil that has shown its face time and time again. History records the good as well as the evil deeds we do, and our actions can never be wiped away, no matter how much we try and gloss over history, or try to rewrite the history books. Truth always prevails in the end and the truth will eventually come out.

It is up to ourselves and our schools to teach our children how important history is. Only by doing this can we hope that history will not repeat itself through the next generation.  Sooner or later the human race will learn from our mistakes, thanks to history, and this is to be hoped that the world will become a better place.

History is never harsh with us, yet it tells it like it is. It shows us all of our goodness and frailties in equal measure. It captures us in the glare and the lens of historical publicity and yes, very often, we may not like what we see. Because, you see, history is like a giant mirror, a  reflection upon ourselves and our actions we have done, and continue to do, upon this earth. History matters, and will continue to matter, for this reason

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