History

The best part of history, for me, is the story. Much of histories value lies in how closely it approaches reality. A good story which is true is hard to beat. I would love a history that contained no intention to deceive.

History is the presentation of:
~ knowledge or a source of knowledge,
~ an interpretation,
~ a scholarly synthesis of events,
~ what we value from the past (the taste of this mornings toothpaste?)
~ that which is worth remembering,
~ knowledge obtained by inquiry,
~ an account of one's experience,
~ an account of actual events,
~ the study of a human past,
~ a pointing of the way,
~ knowledge brought to the present,
~ systematically related phenomena,
and stuff like vision, wit, and order.

There may be a history for each category of human experience: love, music, martial arts, smut, science, racing, family, you, war, politics, kings, natural events, blood lines, religion, philosophy, magic, history and everything else.

As each of us preserves and interprets happenings, each of us is a historian. Some historians have been judged to be better than others. Some pass on greater power to us. Some try to pass on attractive lies. Many are learned men or women of fine vision from whom we may learn truly.

I have enjoyed and benefited from well told stories of real events told by worthy persons with deep respect for rules of evidence. There are strange histories that may be a sort of travelogue of happenings and experiences out of time which may have their own value. There are chronologies, tiny and grand, which give order to the doings of man. I like best the well told story told honestly by an honest fellow.

The doing of history includes using a variety of methods of research, analysis, and interpretation. A historian may examine and analyze a sequence of events and present his interpretation to you. He searches the happenings and chronologies for causes and effects and tells one what he sees. A historian may follow a trail back in time until finds a primary source of evidence or until he gets a story which seems complete. He is pleased when he finds an eye-witness. A historian may seek and find patterns, order, and laws in the doings of humanity. He may discover imperfect, but useful cycles and other movements in our activities and teach you how to recognize them and to use them for your benefit.

From a history one may learn a good way of living and doing. Processes of making glass or steel may be learned from histories.

You can find power and joy in history; I do.

Of History

Here are a few words to suggest how I see history.


The word 'history' meant knowledge. It means that now, but its meaning has been greatly broadened. Then, as we know, knowledge is broad. A 'histor' was a learned man, a knower, a seer, a person of good wit. More recently we have called 'knowledge learned by inquiry,' history. Now we know history largely as a written account of ones inquiries. There are also those who know history as a historia, a history, a story. It could be fictitious, a partially true excuse, or a big lie.

I take the above into my understanding of history. Using history as a noun I take it to mean 'knowledge useful in the development of wisdom.' I usually expect it to be presented as a narrative. I also take 'history' as a synonym for 'the search for knowledge useful to me.' I use it as the name for the tool and method for finding that knowledge.

'To enquire' or 'to inquire' I use to mean 'to question.' 'To question' is the process of formulating questions and of finding answers. If you go to history without a question, you may be only entertained or diverted. To get an answer you must have a question, even if it be the question of another.

So, to me history is an activity, it is a doing.

Most dictionaries you may consult will 'say' something like 'history is a narrative of past events.' So, if I tell you how I made coffee this morning of how I got Susie to sleep with me last night, that's history. If you don't pay the money you owe, you might be history. You can learn from your history or from the history of another. A history may very well be an explanation of developments. Each historical narrative is an interpretation of happenings.

Speaking a bit of the history of history you may find it useful to realize that much history has been the work of rulers and philosophers. You might call a ruler a leader, and a philosopher a scientist. These are persons who have questions of power. They read and write history to extend and enhance their power. A teacher of history may be paid to help you to develop and enhance your power.

Abundant Life (IMHO of this day)

Ignorance is the way of want. Ignorance of the practice of equality, justice, respect, honor, and love pave a speedy road to want. Want is lack.


Ignorance is the way to degeneration and strife. What is a way to abundant life?


The understanding and and practice of love moves one to abundant life very well. Love is a good way. How is love understood? How is love practiced? It's a process. One could begin by getting clear about some meanings. Improve and extend your understanding of equality, justice, respect, and honor among men. Understanding the the interactions among the practice of law, justice, and equality as components of love helps. Knowing that love includes the best of respect and honor helps. Knowing that the heart of love is joyous nurturance is necessary. Learning that respectful, even reverent, nurturance makes love real, is vital.


A reader of the Bible may find help in getting on this road by noting that Jesus said that his purpose was to bring us abundant life. And then by going on to study the page or two of teachings after he says to love your God. There he points to the nature of love, He points to the knowledge and practice of love. He points to the process of learning to love. He tells the essentials and extent of doing it well. The readers must study, contemplate, and meditate well on his parables and examples. H makes it easy to begin.

Open Doors

A broad shallow knowledge of culture is a good door to a deeper knowledge. A broad common core of knowledge can enable us to learn from one another effectively. Our common literacy opens doors not only to deeper knowledge and increased chances of success, to other people and their culture.

Appropriate Trust

The power in knowledge may be tapped by organization.


The power of knowledge is manifest through use.


Gather and share valuable information through cooperation.


Communicate to organize. Talk honestly.


To talk effectively we need more than trust, we need skill.


What is the source of skill?
What is the source of trust?  

A Mentor

I have be asked about what I am and what I do. A response to such questions, fitting to you my readers, may be that I am a mentor, a knowledge mentor. I guide and advise some in their approach to knowledge. I no way am I in charge in any part of the lie of another. I have a great many flaws and imperfections, few competitors.

Exoteric

This exoteric knowledge has its own value.

It also provides a view of an easily opened little door to esoteric knowledge.