Sarah Irving-Stonebraker, an Associate Professor of History and author of 'Priests of History,' urges us to reconnect with our past in a world losing its historical awareness. She argues that understanding history enriches our identity and fosters civil discourse. With insights on figures like Doug Nichols, she highlights how inspiring stories shape future generations. The conversation also tackles the complexities of human character, advocating for inclusive narratives that empower marginalized voices. History, she claims, reveals deeper truths about our own lives.
Understanding history is crucial for connecting individual identities to broader societal narratives, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
The decline in historical study reflects a cultural shift towards rootlessness, hindering meaningful engagement with the complexities of the past.
Deep dives
The Importance of Understanding History
Understanding history is essential for grasping the complexities of our present and future. The insights gained from historical events and figures illuminate the evolution of ideas that shape our society, from human rights to governance. For instance, students often require guidance to appreciate how contemporary political systems and notions of human rights are deeply rooted in historical contexts. Without this historical lens, individuals struggle to connect their identities to a larger narrative, which can lead to a sense of disconnection and aimlessness.
The Decline of Historical Study
There has been a notable decline in the study of history in educational institutions, which reflects a broader cultural shift toward a rootless existence. Many students express feelings of detachment, often attributing this to the digital age's influence on community engagement and identity formation. This detachment compromises their understanding of the significance of history, as contemporary views increasingly prioritize personal self-creation over historical context. As a result, students often lack both knowledge of their historical roots and the ability to appreciate the complexities inherent in past events.
Navigating the Ahistorical Age
Living in an ahistorical age presents the challenge of engaging with the past meaningfully, as many view history as irrelevant to their lives. A significant characteristic of this modern age is the tendency to reduce historical narratives to ideological stances, which oversimplifies complex human experiences and diminishes the nuances of history. Ignorance of historical context hampers the ability to critically reflect on current beliefs, leading to a fragile understanding of concepts like human rights and equality. This reductionist approach stifles constructive dialogue about history and its implications for present-day society.
The Role of History in Personal and Societal Identity
History is intrinsically linked to individual and collective identities, offering a framework for understanding one's place in a broader narrative. The yearning for connection to historical stories can drive interest in exploring personal heritage, as individuals seek to understand their roots. This connection is exemplified by the rising popularity of historical narratives in mainstream culture, such as family history and heritage events. Recognizing the rich tapestry of human experience fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, contributing to a more nuanced, empathetic approach toward understanding oneself and others in the light of historical context.
Sarah Irving-Stonebraker makes a case for history as a key part of understanding who we are and where our lives find meaning.
Sarah Irving-Stonebraker says we are living in an ahistoric age – where we are increasingly ignorant of the past and therefore less equipped to understand ourselves and those around us. In her latest book Priests of History: Stewarding the past in an ahistoric age, Sarahurges her readers to attend to history; to seek to understand the past – it's people and events. She promises that if we do, we’ll find out “that it's far stranger and far more fascinating than you realise.”
In an age underpinned by the idea that life is about self-invention and fulfilment, Sarah believes that paying careful attention to history we will find ourselves more connected, more embedded in stories larger than ourselves. This is something deeply needed in our rootless and disconnected age.