One question that struck me the most in class was, how important is our past? It is important to know our past, mainly because it is the past that brings us to the present, and there are certain events that shape our lives. It is important to know these events, and our own place in these events. More importantly, each individual creates his or her unique spot in the world in the course of his life. This spot is defined more and more through his or her experiences and attitude. This is the spot that he remembers, and all his recollections are based on this. Having no memory of the past cannot lead us to the ultimate truth.
According to me, history is an account (although not complete) of the past. It is merely a story that is altered according to one's convenience. Each version of history is different from another, as experiences in one's life are different from another. This can be seen from diaries of different people. One records those events that make an impact on his/ her life. Those events that are worth remembering, whether bitter or sweet, are the ones that are made immortal in a diary. Everybody makes history through his or her diary. The whole of history is a collection of micro-histories written by individuals. There exists no real macro-history, which generalizes everything that happened in the past.
However, there are few accounts of history that overpower the others, and these are the ones that are written by people in power. There are history textbooks written by publishers who glorify the country, and conveniently leave out the 'villain-ish' tactics that the country has ever undertaken. CBSE history textbooks were completely changed when the ruling party changed from BJP to Congress. Gandhi and Nehru were glorified more in the Indian history. This was part of their propaganda. There will definitely be a great difference between Indian history textbooks and Pakistani history textbooks even if they talk about the same event. Their stance will be different, because of the bitter rivalry between the two countries. It is hence, true that history is written by people in power.
This is a farce, as people in power most generally misuse it. There are fatal conspiracies when it comes to history, and there are many questions left unanswered. The only people who know the truth are the ones in power. Neil Armstrong landing on the moon could be a huge conspiracy! There are theories that propose that he never stepped foot on the moon!
Look for different references, not those made in class. Think about links not previously made.
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