“Chair’d in the adamant of Time”*
by chuckofish
I feel so sorry for anyone who misses the experience of history, the horizons of history. We think little of those who, given the chance to travel, go nowhere. We deprecate provincialism. But it is possible to be as provincial in time as it is in space. Because you were born into this particular era doesn’t mean it has to be the limit of your experience. Move about in time, go places. Why restrict your circle of acquaintances to only those who occupy the same stage we call the present?”
–David McCullough, “Recommended Itinerary” in Brave Companions
I concur.
As we approach Independence Day on July 4, why not read some history?
*Walt Whitman, “America”; the painting is by Childe Hassam.
dual personalities 
That’s a wonderful quote! I couldn’t agree more and will share it with my students.
It’s from McCullough’s commencement address at Middlebury.
I love everything about this post, especially the painting 🙂
That is an excellent quote and another wonderful reminder to us for our daily lives. I’ve always liked that Childe Hassam painting. My favorite of his is the print you have in your bedroom above your dresser!
I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. McCullough…the present is pretty good, our problems notwithstanding, but it is important and fascinating to know how we got here and to learn about those who played a part in that journey.