And while some folks get annoyed when we mention context, there is no way we can ignore that Washington was surrounded by a slave holding aristocracy. He certainly would have seen this as normal. And in his era people who had little education - so poor white laborers and slaves were assumed to be naturally less intelligent.
We know something different now. but we csnnot ignore the different context.
Washington was in particular one of the outstanding men of the age. A man of genuine moral character.
Great lesson, Professor Brands! I had a question about the Core Curriculum Task Force. I know the Task Force’s report was to be released in May, if I’m not mistaken. However, I’ve been unable to find the report itself now that it’s June. I was wondering if the report has been released or if there’s been any changes to the timeline of that? :)
I would be interested in the Report. Would the designers be bold and strike new ideas?. Or would it be a mix of the political satisfying that says little? But since prof Brands was on the committee, his essay here could lend something useful. Also good reactions from readers. Love Brands periodic return to why study history
Something I notice when people learn something they didn't know, the reaction often tends to be "Why didn't anyone ever teach me this?" Whereas my reaction tends to be "wow, that's interesting, I am now going to learn more."
Thank you for the hopeful reminders. I've found myself reading a lot more history over the past several years. One can learn from the lessons without being so emotionally involved.
Another lesson from history is “history is never finished” - Liaquat Ahamed
And while some folks get annoyed when we mention context, there is no way we can ignore that Washington was surrounded by a slave holding aristocracy. He certainly would have seen this as normal. And in his era people who had little education - so poor white laborers and slaves were assumed to be naturally less intelligent.
We know something different now. but we csnnot ignore the different context.
Washington was in particular one of the outstanding men of the age. A man of genuine moral character.
Great lesson, Professor Brands! I had a question about the Core Curriculum Task Force. I know the Task Force’s report was to be released in May, if I’m not mistaken. However, I’ve been unable to find the report itself now that it’s June. I was wondering if the report has been released or if there’s been any changes to the timeline of that? :)
The report is in the hands of the university administration. I don't know their timetable for releasing it.
I would be interested in the Report. Would the designers be bold and strike new ideas?. Or would it be a mix of the political satisfying that says little? But since prof Brands was on the committee, his essay here could lend something useful. Also good reactions from readers. Love Brands periodic return to why study history
Something I notice when people learn something they didn't know, the reaction often tends to be "Why didn't anyone ever teach me this?" Whereas my reaction tends to be "wow, that's interesting, I am now going to learn more."
Thank you, as always, for your interesting posts.
Quote: "Democracy has serious shortcomings. It’s inefficient and lends itself to demagoguery. But a democracy is hard to turn into a despotism"
We are getting a lesson now in how to turn democracy into despotism by using democracy itself.
History suggests that the effort will fail. It will be painful and costly, but democracy will prevail.
Exceptional perspective and insight, succinctly written.
Thank you for the hopeful reminders. I've found myself reading a lot more history over the past several years. One can learn from the lessons without being so emotionally involved.
Hear, hear! Or is it here, here? One way or another, fabulous post. Happy World Cup Friday.