"History is not the past. It is the interpretation of the past."
This quote emphasizes that history is more than just a collection of facts or events from the past; it's how those events are understood, explained, and interpreted by people today. History is a narrative constructed using evidence and perspective, which can vary based on cultural context, personal beliefs, and societal norms. In essence, Bartoletti suggests that our understanding of history is not fixed but constantly evolving as new interpretations and perspectives emerge over time.
"We have a moral responsibility to remember."
This quote emphasizes the importance of preserving historical knowledge for future generations. Remembering our past, both triumphs and failures, equips us with wisdom and lessons that can guide us in making informed decisions about our present and future. It is a call to action for all individuals and societies to uphold the ethical duty of learning from history, understanding its complexities, and using that understanding to create a more just and peaceful world.
"When we forget our history, we repeat it."
This quote emphasizes the importance of learning from history to avoid repeating past mistakes or injustices. It suggests that ignorance of historical events can lead to their recurrence, as people are likely to make the same errors if they do not understand the lessons and consequences of what has transpired before. Essentially, understanding history serves as a guide for constructing a better future by avoiding pitfalls, fostering empathy, and promoting growth and progress.
"The past doesn't define us, but it can help us understand who we are."
This quote suggests that our history or past experiences shape our identity in a way, but it doesn't determine our future. Understanding our past allows us to comprehend our personal traits, behaviors, and tendencies. However, it is up to us to use this understanding constructively and make informed choices about who we want to be moving forward. Essentially, the past provides context, but it is our actions and decisions in the present that define us.
"History is not always kind, and it often ignores the people who need to be remembered the most."
This quote underscores the notion that history, as a narrative of events, may sometimes fail to acknowledge or give due credit to individuals or groups whose stories deserve to be told. The implication is that this oversight happens frequently with those who were marginalized, oppressed, or otherwise lacked power during their time. It encourages us to be mindful of these omissions and strive to unearth and amplify the voices and experiences of those who have been historically overlooked, in order to create a more complete and inclusive historical record.
For me, a story begins with music: I feel the rhythm, the cadence, the pulse of the characters and their voices and the setting. Because I had just finished writing a book called 'Black Potatoes: The Story of the Great Irish Famine,' I was already filled with the music of the lives and culture of the Irish people, so I thought, why not use it?
- Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Born a slave, Harriet Tubman was determined not to remain one. She escaped from her owners in Maryland on the Underground Railroad in 1849 and then fearlessly returned thirteen times to help guide family members and others to freedom as the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad.
- Susan Campbell Bartoletti
For 'The Journal of Finn Reardon,' I traveled to New York City and walked the streets where Finn and his friends would have lived, worked, and played. I visited the Tenement Museum on Orchard Street and toured an actual flat in which families like Finn's might have lived.
- Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Only a reader can become a writer. Develop a lively intellect and the ability to become interested in anything, no matter how mundane it might seem at first. Look for the story. Develop an eye for detail. Feed your mind and your brain: learn as much as you can about everything you can.
- Susan Campbell Bartoletti
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