#EdwardHymes

[sabenvs3000w24]

Blog 6: Unpacking Edward Hyams Quote

With the following thought-provoking quote from the book "The Gifts of Interpretation", Edward Hyams makes a strong case for the importance of history and the necessity of integrity.  "There is no peculiar merit in ancient things, but there is merit in integrity, and integrity entails the keeping together of the parts of any whole, and if these parts are scattered throughout time, then the maintenance of integrity entails a knowledge, a memory, of ancient things. …. To think, feel or act as though the past is done with, is equivalent to believing that a railway station through which our train has just passed, only existed for as long as our train was in it." To fully grasp the significance of this verse, which is full of implications and meaning, it is worth delving further.

Hyams begins by refuting the idea that objects that are ancient are valuable just because of their age. Rather, he turns the emphasis to integrity, characterizing it as a structural need that sustains the many constituents of any organism across time, as well as a moral virtue. In this sense, integrity encompasses not just personal qualities but also the collective consciousness and knowledge of the community as a whole. It follows that society's integrity is maintained by ongoing, shared remembrance and comprehension of its history.

The comparison of a train station perfectly captures the spirit of Hyams' argument. The past does not become irrelevant as time goes on, just as a train station does not vanish the instant a train leaves. It is a misperception of time and existence to think that history is meaningless once it has been lived. History is a continuum that both shapes and is shaped by the present, not a collection of discrete occurrences. Our comprehension of the present is shaped by the past, which also directs our future course of action. This perspective challenges us to reevaluate how we relate to the past. It implies that a society's integrity is preserved by its capacity to recall, comprehend, and incorporate its past into its current identity in addition to its outward accomplishments and inventions. In order to achieve this integration, the past must be actively engaged with and acknowledged for its effect on the present and future.

The quotation from Hyams is an appeal for a more in-depth study of history as a vital component of leading an honorable life rather than just as an academic exercise. It inspires us to view history as an essential component of our shared identity rather than as a burden or an outmoded relic. We may safeguard the integrity of society and become better equipped to handle the problems of the present and the future by accepting our historical consciousness.

By dissecting Hyams' quotation, we are reminded of how important history is to maintaining social order. It pushes us to see history as a dynamic, breathing aspect of our shared identity that influences both the present and the future, rather than merely a chronicle of past occurrences. Recognising the ongoing significance of the past is crucial to preserving our society's integrity and making sure we proceed with discernment and wisdom.

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

#EdwardHymes #university of guelph #nature interpretation #university #tumblrblog