History includes everything: science, art, economics, inventions, games,etc. Nothing happens in a vacuum. If I painted a canvas all black one hundred years ago and called it art, people would have thought me insane or stupid. If I spoke of free love to a Puritan, they would have thought me a slave to Satan. If I invented a sewing machine, and people prefered the quality of handmade products and felt threatened by machines, the machine would not sell.

    History involves relationships: past to present, action to action. It involves the whys of life. One sees similarities between events, peoples and ideas and thereby gains understanding, appreciation and perspective. I hated President Johnson and opposed the Vietnam War. I knew little about either. I still believe that Johnson and his war were wrong, but now I understand and appreciate what happened. One studies the 1890's or the Roaring Twenties and discovers that crime waves are not new. The problems facing the younger generation, or concerns that standards are going to hell, are not new.

    The study of history involves reading, thinking and interpreting. These skills can be used throughout life. Interpreting means that instead of having an opinion, you will have facts and information to support your position. You won't simply "feel" something. Your position may stay the same, or change, or be modified, but through the study of history, you will learn to defend your position.U.S. History at Mesa Community College since 1983.

     Copyright © 2005 Gary Brady