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November 7, 2009 at 12:29 am #1789
skiguy
ModeratorDo you agree with Augustine that history is linear (unique events) rather than cyclical? What are some of the problems and what are some of the advantages with the view of history being linear?
November 7, 2009 at 12:52 am #17022Wally
Participant?History doesn't repeat itself – at best it sometimes rhymes? –Twain.If we accept the linear, view we can dismiss all that which has happened as incidental and having no bearing on what may be happen in the future (disregarding cause and effect) but that is a bit much to ask of humans. We are, after, all the that creates conspiracy theories! 8)My view is that history is like a spiders' web; when something happens to make the web twitch, that twitch will be telegraphed to another part of the web; an event will have an effect up the road and if we watch carefully we might be able to predict, based on the past, what might happen based on history. Each set event is a unique mix of circumstances but there can be (and often is) a common element within the mix of similar events. Make any sense at all?
November 7, 2009 at 1:03 am #17023skiguy
ModeratorEach set event is a unique mix of circumstances but there can be (and often is) a common element within the mix of similar events. Make any sense at all?
Very well said! Can one take the view that history is cyclical because nearly every nation rises to power then falls for some reason, whether it's the same or unique to the situation?
November 7, 2009 at 1:22 am #17024scout1067
ParticipantI like Wally's characterization. I had never thought of it like that before. Very apt
November 7, 2009 at 4:20 am #17025Wally
ParticipantThank you gentlemen. 🙂
January 16, 2015 at 5:34 am #17026ayaha
Participant?History doesn't repeat itself - at best it sometimes rhymes? --Twain.If we accept the linear, view we can dismiss all that which has happened as incidental and having no bearing on what may be happen in the future (disregarding cause and effect) but that is a bit much to ask of humans. We are, after, all the that creates conspiracy theories! 8)My view is that history is like a spiders' web; when something happens to make the web twitch, that twitch will be telegraphed to another part of the web; an event will have an effect up the road and if we watch carefully we might be able to predict, based on the past, what might happen based on history. Each set event is a unique mix of circumstances but there can be (and often is) a common element within the mix of similar events. Make any sense at all?
WALLY i totally agree with you
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