I didn't feel the need to know it because it wasn't a chosen path with which to support myself in life. D's, at best. Thankfully, I liked maps and geography. In spite of my D's I am surprised at how much I must have retained (trivia games).
World politics is such a complicated animal. And the human animal is equally as complicated. I am an advocate of educational structure which focuses on a child's interests and passions. History encompasses many subjects and is also the reflection of paths taken for our country's maturity. It would be much easier for me now, had I paid better attention back then.
My not liking history has hampered me on the super information highway. So much is distortion and lies, intertwined with lack of integrity and/or conscience of all forms of media for the sake of money, power and greed. Sometimes looking in old history books helps me.
Just call me 'Doubting Thomas'. Even fact checkers are not trustworthy.
Genealogy has been my best teacher of history. As a child, I wish someone would have taken me around our hometown. Funny how you live in a place and don't explore its history (not until us kids were old enough to 'go park' on top of the bluffs, overlooking the town). A little bit different type of exploration of history. *smile*
History and genealogy has given me a new appreciation of the 'global' puzzle. Learning about older generations, how they got here, their struggles to find a new life, and the innovations to 'fit in'. Thinking 'outside the box' is certainly not a new way.
I continue to learn with high fascination and curiosity about history, my family tree and how they fit into the universal puzzle. Ah, nuts! And the patchwork quilt enlarges, with each forthcoming generation. As a 'younger' generation myself, I have to tell you I now admire my elder generations. I feel any 'younger' generation should be humbled by their 'grands' and 'greats' and realize 'what a spoiled lot'.
~nrl