I have learned so much in this class, and among the greatest lessons is how a historian must recognize the complexity of history. In a sense, he must engage history in a dynamic way to understand its dynamic nature. For this, I am thankful.
Gratitude is the greatest lesson to take away from this class, though. I alluded to this in the previous post, and I did not learn this until I did my research on the Stonewall Riots. Reading of the struggles of those who came before me, humbled and touched me. Because of their courage and sacrifice, I can live as I do today, and that is something I cannot take for granted. After all, not too long ago, such a life was not granted. I can do little else but honor their courage and sacrifice but continue to learn more about history and apply its lessons to my life. I will cultivate the virtues of history-- gratitude.
Though my Historical Methods class has ended, I will continue to use historical methods in every aspect of my life. After all, everything is illuminated by the light of the past.
