On 1776 by David McCullough published in 2005:
Should we endeavor to recall the details of the past?
McCullough was an American Historian. Affections for the characters, circumstances, and atmosphere of Colonial America bolster the narrative of 1776. Listening to the work invites one’s imagination to fill in the gaps of revitalized history.
Whether it’s mentions of hangings, rape and whorehouses, details of grimly dangerous conditions, or Washington rallying his troops with the words, “It’s a fine fox chase my boys!”, it becomes apparent that 1776 was not for the fragile-minded. All the tragic and triumphant complexities of war were on display. And much was won or lost for those willingly or unwillingly caught up in the fight.
It can be unpleasant to recall the grim details of such times. It is easy to exchange the uncomfortable aspects of history for exaggerated heroics. Nostalgia is a pleasant feeling.
It is also possible to kill historical intelligence and heroic acts. We can judge the past as a time filled with greater fools. It is fun to think we have overcome the ignorance of our ancestors.
But history seems more complicated and much more interesting that those quick conclusions.
Should we endeavor to recall the details of the past?
Sources:
McCullough, D. (2006). 1776. Simon & Schuster.
Deliberating Truth 