It is essential to learn history’s lessons
UNDERSTANDING history is how we try to reach the future without repeating the calamities of the past. Nearly every society eventually learns — or becomes extinct — that it must be open to modifying its behaviour if it is to escape the unfortunate consequences of uncompromising beliefs, traditions or tribal enmity.
The European Union may be the greatest example of this in our world. It shows how the energy needed to fuel centuries of war can be far better applied to creating a collective security rather than a self-perpetuating cycle of mutual destruction.