The etymology of the word is derived from the ancient Greek word, 'histor' (meaning a learned, wise man). It then made its way through another Greek word, 'historia' (meaning inquiry, narrative account). From there, it went unchanged, but made its way through Rome, and then branched off into old English as 'istoria'. Around the same time, it appeared in old French, as the word 'historie'. As the word became more widely used, it developed into the modern word 'history'. Such is the history, of history. Funny thing about history. If you pay attention, many people will say that they're not too fond of history. Yet, almost as if they don't realize it, they are incredibly fond of history. Perhaps they're not too fond of their own histories. However, every single thing around us, has a history all unto itself. Take, for example, your favorite coffee (or tea) cup/mug. You obtained this item as either a gift, or a personal decision to obtain it. Prior to that, the person you obtained it from, made a choice to acquire it. Prior to that, someone decided that this particular object should be designed, and then manufactured. Prior to that, it was a simple idea in someone's mind, that eventually came to fruition....and here it is, among your personal possessions. In other words, that simple vessel from which you enjoy your hot beverages, has a history.
Again, every single item you see, has a history, just like we do. Every single living creature (including ourselves) has their own history. History is well documented by humans. However, as Winston Churchill famously stated, "History is written by the victors". Of course, he was speaking of war time history. We all know that not all history has been written by the victors. In fact, much of what we understand about our past (as a human species), has come from journals, letters, medical records, organized religions, banking systems, and general commerce. Every single time something was recorded, it became history. The forms of communication between each other has changed many, many times since the dawn of the human species. Notches on branches. Detailed cave drawings. Stone imprints. Architectural masterpieces. Engineering wonders. Artistic portraits. National documents. Birth records, and death records. It's all nothing more than a set of historical documents for future humans to file through, in hopes of better understanding a world they will never live in, nor fully understand.
Can history be erased? No, at least not completely. Many things that have taken place will never be fully known, if at all. However, that does not mean that somewhere, at least a small portion of that event isn't documented in some way, shape or form. Think about all the things we have to keep track of every single day. Now, multiply that by the total number of humans that have ever existed. That's a lot of history, and no one is capable of keeping track of that titanic amount of history. Many of the more large scale events have been well documented. The great pyramids. The reign of King Tutankhamun. The lives of King Henry VIII's wives, as well as every single monarch that has ever reigned. Any type of widely practiced religious belief systems. Every Pope that has ever lived. The great civilizations around the globe. Mass protests, marches and strikes. All of it is history.
Remember too, that every structure ever built, is historical. After all, architecture is simply art that we live, work and play in. The ancient engineers created working history. Everything from ancient water ways, to modern technologies...are all pieces of history. Do you know that there is no way that any single human can trace their lineage all the way back to the very first huma? It's known. It's understood. It's possible to trace your lineage back by many centuries, but then...it will make an almost abrupt stop. It is at this point that many people naturally assume that this is as far as their lineage goes, and they leave it at that. However, that 'stopping point' is nothing more than a detour point. Like it, or not, we all are descendents of the very first human. Somewhere in the natural evolution of things, humans branched out, and became one of (if not the) most diverse species this planet has ever known.
We see history being documented on a daily basis these days. The technological advancements are so great at this point in our time line of all things, that we hardly realize that we're all documenting history every single moment of our lives. Recording our child's first steps. Our birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, driver's licenses, tax records, baptisms, purchases we make, places we go and document on social media, inherited photographs, items and journals, newspapers, and well, the list is endless. So, the next time anyone asks you if you like history....the honest answer is always going to be 'yes'. You simply may not enjoy certain aspects of history. None the less, you are history. Your very existence is historical...and what a wonderful thing that is!
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