Larry Conde

The End of History Larry Conde

Since the time of Herodotus historians have been trying to understand history and discover its meaning. For we know what the word history means, but we do not know the meaning of history. This problem has been studied not only by historians but also philosophers, saints, and poets. For they all realized that history has shaped our culture, our society and our very lives. So they turn to history for the answers to the exigencies that civilization faces. The terible events on September 11, 2001, have brought this home to us in a horrible way. Still, we can not only learn from history but find meaning in history. Thus, the intimations in searching for the meaning of history are filled with great potential or disaster. Consequently this essay examines the definition of history; the role of the historian; the philosophies of history; the theologies of history, particularly those of St. Augustine, Berdyaev, and Buber.