Moderator: Why is history important, what does studying about history teach us?

McCullough: Well for one thing it has a lot to do with our role as citizens in this kind of

democracy, in this kind of society

And, I think also it fosters much respect and gratitude

For those who went before us, who provided so much that we take, unfortunately we take for granted

And it gives us a feeling that we 'ought to measure up to'

And that we can learn a great deal from these people not just about politics

And the law, and Government, but about life

about being a good human being

history's about people.. history's human

And, it's a marvelous antidote to the hubris of the present. When you see what these people did against great odds or adversity

When you read about what they went through,

to make it work, and to our benefit

People walk around, particularly some of our political people.. with this great sense of patriotism

and love of country, and don't know anything about the history of our country it would be like being in love with

another..

In love with a woman or a man and you have his picture all around the mirror

Or her picture all around the mirror, and you have no idea where she grew up, where she went to school, who her parents are,

how she got to be the way she is

And, to me, it's..

Its as if you have no interest in people, and people the most interesting subject there is

There's no excuse for history ever to be boring

no excuse for that