More Than Monuments: Remembered by Character and Deeds

It's a good thing we have something as history. Sadly, the interest and value of history is dwindling as the days and years go by. History informs us and offers us the privilege to learn from the past－events, actions, and people. It teaches a lot to anyone who cares to remain in touch. It's the connection between the past and the present, and even the future we hope for. And while we strive to build a future, it's worthy of note that, that future will form our history one day.

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History doesn't only speak in the sense of world events or local events that are written in the history books. It also speaks of our deeds as individuals. What precedes us and our names when we must have exited this continuum of space and time is a part of history that we must consider. It might not make it to the big books of history, but in the record books of some humans, it's history. Everyone then have history they leave behind. The big deal is, what would history say?

It's sad that for many in my part of the world, especially popular individuals who have occupied strategic and noteworthy positions, politically or otherwise, history speaks a bitter language. One that doesn't favour good remembrance. More sadly, these are the people who have monuments raised in their names and tributes poured in their honour in history books. The question now begs, should these monuments be torn down, and their names be erased from schools, institutions and infrastructures that bear their names?

This raises a concern. I mean, many of these individuals are adjudged to be of questionable character. Consider how much such characters and their deeds must have affected the people or a group of people. It's really a concerning thing and I can totally understand those who will say that such monuments should be torn down and their names removed from all forms of tributes. Perhaps, that will do it for them. Such monuments and tributes could be like opening a wound one must have managed to nurse.

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However, would that really do much? I don't think so. Rather than trying to take down these monuments and erase all tributes in their names, maybe we could focus ahead, on the future and what could be done better. If the future isn't fixed, we would certainly keep seeing monuments and tributes to people of questionable character. Why? The people who make these things happen belong to the same club. It's a culture they would have to preserve so they would be treated in like manner.

Well, there's another side to this. The tributes and monuments in honour of such people, could be speaking otherwise. Picture yourself looking at the monument of any such people, what comes to your mind? Yes, their unacceptable characters and deeds. So, in a way, this expresses their true personalities and deeds, rather than the honour it was meant to give them. It's who we are and what we do that we will be remembered for. No amount of monumental honour can change that.

Rather than getting concerned about all of that, which are already done, we could look ahead into the future and consider how to make things better. Also, knowing that all of these erected and named in their supposed honour is a hoax and a clear reflection of their real deeds and personalities. History speaks beyond monuments and tributes.

Thank you for reading through!