Answer to Question #263735 in History for Kelsey Jand

Question

Context Link: https://www.facinghistory.org/holocaust-and-human-behavior/chapter-11/transitional-justice-south-africa

Specific Context: In 1935, American author W. E. B. Du Bois wrote, “Nations reel and stagger on their way; they make hideous mistakes; they commit frightful wrongs; they do great and beautiful things. And shall we not best guide humanity by telling the truth about all this, so far as the truth is ascertainable?”

Question: How does Du Bois add to your thinking about the importance of establishing the truth about the past? 

Answer 1

The importance of establishing the truth concerning the past is that individuals are able to learn from the past. Moreover, it is through this truth that nations are able to avoid some of the past mistakes. Also, this truth linked to the past helps to guide people accordingly.