Preserve

Holding on to a past or to a heritage is something considered by nation builders and by ordinary people.

On the frontpage of the Philippine Daily Inquirer the other day was a historic house being sold to a mall developer. Conversationists pointed out how important it is for future generations to remember the past by having reminders. And in remembering, it would foster a sense of identity that malls would not be able to impart.

In a module I am sitting-in for, the issue of erasing a terrible past, like mass gang rapes in Indonesia, was discussed. Should people try to forget as it is too painful or should people try to remember so that it will not happen again?

Baron Haussmann who lived from 1809 to 1891 is largely responsible for how Paris looks like today. He created this long wide straight avenue (among other things) that required the destruction of a lot of buildings and put the city in a lot of debt. Although we could not for certain know his reasoning for doing so, a lot of people agree that it improved the quality of life in the city.

It is important to remember the mistakes of yesteryears but is also important to be able to adapt for the challenges of tomorrow.