Good article from Harper’s on why we study history.  A left leaning magazine to be sure, but still very capable of insightful writing (when not focusing on impeaching the President).

I think this article has some points that are well worth pondering.  Of particular interest is the section focusing on Schiller’s view of the world-historical (a loaded, Hegelian phrase) role of the Hebrews in bringing about the embracing of monotheism.  To me history is an ever unfolding tale with great characters and grand events.  Every break between epochs (antiquity to Middle Ages to Renaissance, etc.) implies direction to history.  Clearly, there are moments where we fall backwards, Nazi barbarism in otherwise refined Germany is one, but it seems there is a thread of progress.  Unfortunately, some of these steps backward also seem to show that while we may have the ability to move forward, I question whether we can stay there once we’ve moved.  If there is progress, why?  Who or what gave us the ability to move on an upward trajectory?  If we backslide, why?  Is it ignorance or is it evil?  Is freedom an end or means to an end?  What is truth?  How do we reach it, can we reach it? 

To a large degree these philosophical questions frequently merge with the theological for there is no where else to go.  Reason has its limits, at least for finite minds.  Even the best of our geniuses are finite, for that is human.  To be infinite is to be divine.