"Now what is history? It is the centuries of systematic explorations of the riddle of death, with a view to overcoming death. That’s why people discover mathematical infinity and electromagnetic waves, that’s why they write symphonies.." - Jon Krakauer
In this quote by Jon Krakauer, the author reflects on the essence of history as the ongoing quest to unravel the mystery of mortality. The exploration of various fields, from mathematics to music, is driven by the inherent human desire to transcend death. This quote emphasizes the significance of history in shaping our understanding of the world and our relentless pursuit of immortality through knowledge and creativity.
In his quote, Jon Krakauer highlights the underlying motivation behind much of human achievement throughout history: the desire to overcome death. This notion of pushing boundaries and striving for immortality can be seen in modern advancements in technology, medicine, and scientific research. The pursuit of overcoming death continues to drive innovation and progress in society today.
As Jon Krakauer's quote suggests, history is not just a record of events but a reflection of humanity's quest to understand and ultimately conquer mortality. This profound insight begs us to contemplate the true purpose and significance of the study of history. Here are some reflection questions to consider: