Got to hear David McCullough the other night — a public lecture at Rollins College. Like many others I was in the over flow room watching on video relay (why do people applaud a guy who is two blocks away in another building?). Wonderful evening, even separated by space. A few quotable highlights:
“Nobody lived in the past — they all lived in the present — their present.”
“History teaches us how to behave and how to live in treacherous times.”
“History is the antidote to the hubris of the present.”
“History is an extension of what it means to be alive.”
And from Alexander Pope: “Act well your part; there all the honor lies.”
It was a great evening and here’s a hint to all adult children of reading loving older adults: Christmas idea — McCullough’s new book: “The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris” (at an Amazon near you!).
mikebeates 