If it is arrogant to remove old names, it is also arrogant to put any person's name on public buildings and other institutions and infrastructure. After all, the future may find feet of clay on today's heroes -- especially since so much now is electronically documented forever and easily discoverable. Moreover, as you point out in the York confusions, a name with any unfortunate association can never be used again because it might offend the confused. Not only must the honoree be perfect, but so must be everyone who shares the name.
To put things in even greater perspective, not only may future generations think that our current ways are morally and ethically bankrupt; we would be judged just as harshly by people in the past if they could have seen into the future. Our ancestors would be horrified by us and deeply dismayed at the depravity of their descendants. Things we accept as normal and even enlightened would be seen as abhorrent: multiple premarital partners, homosexuality, freedom of religion, atheism, erosion of parental or patriarchal authority, decline of traditional notions of honor or duty, inversion of tried and true social orders or hierarchies. They would be in anguish to see the total vanquishment of their values and everything they cherish.. We have to face the truth that we too might see our own descendants as depraved and thoughtlessly casting aside the cherished legacy we left them, much of which will one day be seen as quaint, useless, or misguided.
Great piece Dan. Reminds me of Jahr Null form The Man in The High Castle. The erasure of history, regardless of motive, is an accelerant that only burns the present.
If it is arrogant to remove old names, it is also arrogant to put any person's name on public buildings and other institutions and infrastructure. After all, the future may find feet of clay on today's heroes -- especially since so much now is electronically documented forever and easily discoverable. Moreover, as you point out in the York confusions, a name with any unfortunate association can never be used again because it might offend the confused. Not only must the honoree be perfect, but so must be everyone who shares the name.
To put things in even greater perspective, not only may future generations think that our current ways are morally and ethically bankrupt; we would be judged just as harshly by people in the past if they could have seen into the future. Our ancestors would be horrified by us and deeply dismayed at the depravity of their descendants. Things we accept as normal and even enlightened would be seen as abhorrent: multiple premarital partners, homosexuality, freedom of religion, atheism, erosion of parental or patriarchal authority, decline of traditional notions of honor or duty, inversion of tried and true social orders or hierarchies. They would be in anguish to see the total vanquishment of their values and everything they cherish.. We have to face the truth that we too might see our own descendants as depraved and thoughtlessly casting aside the cherished legacy we left them, much of which will one day be seen as quaint, useless, or misguided.
Excellent piece! I love the phrase “ stewards of an inter generational project”.
Great piece Dan. Reminds me of Jahr Null form The Man in The High Castle. The erasure of history, regardless of motive, is an accelerant that only burns the present.