An A–Z of Virtues and Vices in History

By Gemini AI

History, at least that which we study at school or read in books, is a record of wars won and lost, empires built and broken, rulers rising and falling. But beneath this surface of Brownian motion lies something far more enduring and alluring: the story of human character. For example, what will Donald Trump appear as to a student of history in 2100 CE? Will he be viewed as a villain on a throne or a clown on a trapeze?

April is the month of A – Z Challenge at Blogchatter, a platform that brings some bloggers together. As a regular participant in this challenge, I fully intend to keep the tradition alive this year. My theme this time is: An A–Z of Virtues and Vices in History.

My attempt will be to read history not merely as a sequence of events, but as a gallery of moral choices. Each letter of the alphabet will open a window to a particular virtue or vice such as Authority, Bigotry, Courage… embodied in the lives of historical figures who shaped, for better or worse, the world we inhabit today.

Authority without restraint breeds arrogance and can descend into tyranny. We are witnessing this happening in many countries right now. But I’ll be looking at examples from past history. One historical figure in each post. I’ll try my best, in spite of myself, to look at history from an inspiring angle instead of focusing on its villains. I don’t wish to point my camera at the gargoyles of the edifice of human civilisation. I will explore the edifice more. But some gargoyles cannot be ignored.

Nelson Mandela’s ethical use of Authority after he became president will be our starting point. But Hiter’s Bigotry cannot be ignored, especially since we’re living in a time that has elevated bigotry as a virtue. Rosa Parks will teach us the real meaning of Courage and Bertrand Russell will enlighten us on Dissent.

There is much to learn from history, if we care to.

No, my A-Z is not going to be a series of biographies. It will focus on moments, those decisive instances when a person’s character becomes visible, when an idea takes flesh in action – and changes the course of history.

Can a leader choose reconciliation over revenge?

Why should a regime succumb to hatred? That too, in the name of gods and religion?

Can one solitary individual stand against a mighty tide?

History needn’t be a series of events that textbooks highlight. History can be a moral mirror. It should be, I think. It can at least reflect not only who we were, but who we might yet become.

My attempt is also an invitation. To read the past with certain perspective. To question the present with honesty. And live the future with more awareness.

Without being swayed blindly by the monstrous blitzkrieg that is buffeting us from every side.

With my limited knowledge of history (or anything, for that matter), I’ve understood that history does not merely happen. It is made: act by act, conscience by conscience. And letter by letter.

Two of my previous A-Z posts that became books:

Humpty Dumpty's Ten Hats

Great Books for Great Thoughts