Life lived equals wisdom only if it provides us with perspective...

Like many of my colleagues in the arena of history teaching, I ask my students why we should study events of the past. I encourage them to ask others, and think for themselves. I know that many of them do not really care (yet). I know that they will ask their moms and dads, or a brother, or uncle Bob and jot down the first answers they get without asking "but why?". I know they will arrive with at least half their answers: "So that we do not repeat the events of the past."

BLECH! It's too cute an answer. It is also a little different and less helpful than Geroge Santayana's oft referenced answer: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." [I am still not a fan of this answer, either. I think it confuses the impact of the average individual and the vastness of global events.]

For most of us, the macro events of world history are not in our span of control: I will not stop the next terrorist attack on the US, let alone half way around the world; I will not be able to stop the early stages of the next genocide; I will not be able to stop child labor abuses in developing nations as they try to satiate my desire to own inexpensive "cool stuff". [Please don't misunderstand me here. Individuals matter! Some matter such that they affect the path of millions, directly and dramatically. But for most of us, the effects of our presence are much more subtle and indirect.]

So why do I study the events of the past? If I study history, I might glean some patterns in our collective behavior. I might learn how others successfully navigated the hope crushing aspects of tragedy. I might learn for how others celebrated great moments in order to improve my own dance. I might change my own behavior to help respond to such moments in micro actions. The great and terrible will continue to happen in the flow of human events, but HOW we respond to them may change. So maybe the cute answer is on to something... We cannot necessarily change the course of events that have happened (duh!), but we can learn how we might respond to these moments. History provides us with the perspective to become better people! And we need good guides who can help offer the wisdom that perspective observed can provide.

"I knew a teacher who taught fifth grade for 38 years. She was absolutely phenomenal—the teacher you wish your own children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews could have. Her spark and energy never gave out. One day I asked her how she managed to stay inspired. She replied, "This is my 38th years teaching fifth grade, but for these students, it's the first time around." -- Todd Whitaker in What Great Teachers Do Differently: 14 Things That Matter Most

Each new lot needs to be given the time to learn the lessons that might seem obvious to those who have been around a while. Each veteran needs to remember that each new lot is there for the first time. The young ones provide raw energy and openable minds. The veteran can offer perspective. Perspective is a tool, a blessing, an eye-opener, a gift offered to those who see it for what it sheds light on. Perspective can be a game changer leading to innovation, compassion, insight. It might, in the right moments, help unlock those individuals who are global game changers. But it can, for everyone, help allow all of us to become better people.

Here is a relevant scene that I have loved since the day I first saw it. It is a scene that I would copy in each class if I could script my moments as well as Hollywood and My Captain. Enjoy.