« History is who we are and why we are the way we are”

« History is who we are and why we are the way we are” this quote was written by David Mc Cullough, who is an American writer, historian and biographer. This quote makes us think that anything that happened in the past has an impact on today.

I chose to talk to you about this quote rather than about the painting as my personal history is the exact example of this quote.

Let’s look first at this quote with a more general view. A view of the history of societies and cultures, before we look at it with a more personal approach.

If we take for example, the various wars that took place. I watched the Braveheart film and the fight of William Wallace for the freedom of Scotland against the troops of Kind Edward the 1st of England. Without this kind of history, Scotland would have become a part of England and the heritage, culture, etc would be different.

Another example would be the commonwealth. The British empire conquered territories throughout the world in the twenties. This has left some of the British culture and values that still exist in those countries as well as political impact. For example, the military forces and the establishment of new laws are still controlled by the Monarch of England.

Another example is World war II. It has allowed the French people not to have to become German, to keep their language and currency. The move over to the Euro currency has made most European countries lose their historical currency and made them become European.

And what about Covid? Covid crisis is now part of our history. It has left us a few new habits, such as homeworking, mask cover when we are sick. Many people have changed careers, focused more on the wellbeing as opposed to the welfare.

If we look at the quote on a personal point of view. Our history is our ancestors. My history is my mum, my dad, my grand-parents, etc... it defines who I am. My ancestors have given me a share of then DNA.

They are the result of me having dark curly hair and brow eyes.

They are guilty of my ugly looking feet and me being short! But it goes beyond the visual aspect, the way they have educated me, is impacting my behavior. They taught me how to respect people, how to say please and thank you.

Our history is also defined by the life experiences we have had. The school harassment I have experienced over the years, is the reason why I fear other pupils today and why I am unable to attend normal school. It is the reason why I doubt myself. It’s the reason why I struggle to find sleep at night. But it also has positive effects. Thanks to these tough times I have meet extraordinary therapists, who have given me the taste to help others and to choose a medical career.

To conclude, I totally agree with David Mc Cullough. All events of the past make what we are today, and in all aspects. Whether it is nation and politics related or personally. We also have to act in today’s world keeping in mind that we are building the future of our children. What we decide today, will impact their world of tomorrow, and who they will be. We should never forget this.

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