Does history matter? | Dr Paul Moon | The Common Room

Times have changed, society has evolved, and we know more, so what’s the point of history? One of New Zealand’s most prominent historians, Dr Paul Moon, shares his thoughts on why history matters.

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[AtCheruti]

Thank you. This should be the first history lesson in schools. I'm going to make sure my kid watches this video and understands it.

[lesterwyoung]

The more I read history, the more I realize that times may change, but human nature doesn't.

[downtoearth]

Yes, and history is told and stored in many different ways, respect that.

[uciteljica]

Great lesson, great explanation. Like your wofks, professor Moon. I am interested in your sources about Josip Broz Tito. As we know, he did not negate Slovenian and Macedonian people, but quite opposite.

[rubiniakingi]

I just finish reading the book tohunga. Well done Paul Moon, Hohepa has to be one of the greats for the Maori ppl. No good without history full stop I think. Has anyone else read the book. I have never heard of Paul Moon till I read the book last week. Just curious hia, on what other ppl thoughts are to do with the book tohunga.

[stephenhenryrose]

I think that there are wrong and right actions which become history. Wars and suffering are caused by actions ...and those actions are history we often wish we never had.... slavery ...the feudal system... every war ...have had elements of evil...that have made history. AND it has not always been "WE" who are the goodies.... the important thing is to point it out and to keep that knowledge alive ...

[DW_Kiwi]

What happened to the Kiwi way of life. You know, Maori and Pakeha living in harmony. No ethnic issues until Marxism came along

[davethewave]

Who pulled down statues, burned books, and denigrated professors in the past? The radcials and revolutionaries. It's the same thing, just taking on a different form. Radicalism [a certain way of viewing history] not history is the problem.

[davethewave]

What matters more Mr Moon? Disinterested history or your career? Please stand up to the radical revising of our history by political activists.

[StanGregec]

"removing paintings, statues and books that offend us doesn't remove the fact that the past happened." No it doesn't, but it can change the way the past is remembered and the way that certain individuals (the so-called great men of history) are glorified in the present. Would we tolerate keeping statues of Hitler (or other tyrants) in the prime public spaces?