“History reminds us of the inherent weakness in the human condition and the very real possibility that our fellow human beings are capable of horrendous things. This should humble us, for “there but for the grace of God, go I.” — John Fea Copy Share Image
“our natural inclination—our “psychological condition at rest”—is to consume the past for our own purposes or try to remake the past in our own… — John Fea Copy Share Image
“By trying to understand the past on its own terms, the historian treats it with integrity rather than manipulating it or superimposing his or her values on it to advance an agenda in the present. Practicing good history in this regard is not easy. Humans tend to be present-minded when it comes to confronting the past. The discipline of history… — John Fea Copy Share
“the late historian and cultural critic Christopher Lasch in his book The Revolt of the Elites and the Betrayal of Democracy. His description of the mechanics of democratic conversation is worth citing in full: The attempt to bring others around to our point of view carries the risk, of course, that we may adopt their point of view instead. We… — John Fea Copy Share
“The French visitor to America Alexis de Tocqueville, writing in the 1830s, described the connection between American individualism and historical amnesia: Not only does… — John Fea Copy Share Image
“As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of this tragic event in the American past, democracy is no longer being threatened by secession, slavery, or… — John Fea Copy Share Image
“Parker Palmer puts it, “Democracy gives us the right to disagree and is designed to use the energy of creative conflict to drive positive… — John Fea Copy Share Image
“Wineburg: For the narcissist sees the world—both the past and the present—in his own image. Mature historical understanding teaches us to do the opposite:… — John Fea Copy Share Image
“The sixteenth-century writer Montaigne once said, “Every man calls evil what he does not understand.” — John Fea Copy Share Image
“The Tea Party movement and other libertarians have convinced millions of Americans that they have to answer to no authority but themselves. Many in… — John Fea Copy Share Image
“History reminds us of the inherent weakness in the human condition and the very real possibility that our fellow human beings are capable of… — John Fea Copy Share Image
