History sits in silence. The history of humankind is young and at times naïve. It has always fascinated me and its chronology is complex and wonderful. As a student, I enjoyed learning about the progression of history, its brilliance, and how we eventually arrived in “modern” society. Thousands of years ago, humankind established cultures built from ideologies in the form of art, communication, architecture, and social infrastructure. Empires rose, ruled, and fell. But history sits in silence. Thousands of years of war, prosperity, exploration, and revolution is not forgotten, but rarely remembered. We access so little of history’s wonders, expertise, and invaluable lessons. Why? Why do we limit our exposure to such timeless, limitless knowledge? (limitless considering the potential consumption of information in one lifetime) Is the silence trustworthy?

As I continued my education and transitioned from high school to college, I declared a major in European History in 2014. I’d say it took me longer than most, but eventually I learned to appreciate history’s overlaps and transitions in addition to the impressiveness of its individuality. The rising, ruling, and falling of civilizations and leaders often occurred with simultaneous extravagance. But they are taught separately. Again, I feel as though I am touching on common sense, but maybe someone else will find it helpful that I acknowledge how I felt history was presented to me. Powerful people and cultures worked together or at odds. Today only some themes and events are remembered and fewer are considered. As I reflect on the silence of history and the perplexing overlap of its people, two names come to mind: Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

“Speak only if it improves upon the silence.”

– Gandhi, on speaking and silence.

“We will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

– MLK, on speaking and silence.

Silence is powerful. Gandhi and MLK talk about both speaking and silence differently in their quotes, but utilize both depending on the situation. They both used silence in response to hate. They both requested the noise of physical presence in support of social justice and the courage to speak when necessary. In each of their lifetimes they chose the power of silence and speech. As their history now rests in silence, their impact is everlasting.

Study history, and its silent lessons will be revealed.

Fun Fact: Gandhi lived from 1883-1944. MLK lived from 1929-1968. They never officially met but MLK addressed the influence of Gandhi on his work. I know that people joke about the time periods of historical figures like Albert Einstein, thinking he lived in the 1500’s when in reality he died in 1955. Gandhi and MLK are interesting to look at together. I know a lot of people separate these men by era, geography, and race and culture. Their significance is not lost and they actually lived at the same time!

Is your personal history silent? How do you acknowledge your past? Use it to your advantage. Happy Monday.