A fantastic article by Stephen Fry in today's Observer. Well, actually, it's a speech he gave at the launch of History Matters. You should read it. Because if planning isn't about learning from the past to try and think about the present and the future then what is it about?
I studied history at university, I didn't enjoy it, partly because I was lazy and stupid, partly because it was really badly taught but I've always thought its breadth makes it the perfect discipline for a planner. Anyway, whatever you think of history you should read Mr Fry's piece, because it's beautifully written, smartly argued and true.
thanks for that link, its a great article. Its making me think about what history means here in China. It seems history is either Something We Don't Dwell On (happy memories of the Cultural Revolution anyone?), a box to be dipped into for Good Ancient Wisdom or its too slathered with the Party's line to be examined with any rigour. There's also a general sense in Asia that it's only the future that matters now. Perhaps the West's increasing interest in history is because we feel we have less to look forward to?
Posted by: sarah | July 10, 2006 at 11:13 AM