What Will History Books in the Future Mention About 2018?

Eventually, from their perspective a half-century or more in the future, historians will uncover many significant aspects of our time that most of us alive today are entirely unaware of. This article delves into the potential future perspectives on 2018, offering a glimpse into what future historians might find intriguing and groundbreaking.

One advantage modern historians will have is the benefit of hindsight. They will be in a position to study our habits, actions, and opinions calmly and objectively, without the biases and controversies that cloud our contemporary views. This detachment will allow them to view certain events with a new perspective, free from the immediate reactions and rationales of our era.

Another point of interest is that what seems ordinary and uninteresting to us might appear strange and mysterious to future historians. Just as ancient artifacts and texts inspire wonder in modern times, the mundane aspects of life in 2018 may fascinate them. They might wonder about the following:

Commuting and Transportation

Commuting: They might be curious about how it felt to commute to work each day, and the daily routines and experiences that define this activity. Schools: The variety of schools in 2018 and the trend of homeschooling might mystify them. They may question the motivations behind this practice and its implications. Infrastructure: The abundance of cables strung on poles and the infrastructure supporting daily life could be regarded as alien. They might ask, 'Was this normal back then?' Garbage Management: The concept of a ‘garbage truck’ and the handling of waste in dumps and landfills might surprise them. They may ask how people coped with the disposal of waste, and whether it was standard to throw it out of windows of moving vehicles.

The 21st century will seem highly superstitious and romantic to future readers of history. This period will be viewed through a lens of idealization and deploitation. Some will look at it with nostalgia and idealization, while others will criticize it harshly.

Our ancestors might be surprised by many of the things we take for granted. For example, they would likely be amazed by the things we find interesting about them. They might even be alarmed and disappointed that we no longer share their passions. Do we still care about investitures or the regulation of clothing by social rank? One can question whether we still find the future of the Whig Party relevant, given that many of these concepts are outdated.

Perspectives on Historical Figures and Events

Take, for example, one instance of how our interest in the past differs from how those who shaped it would have viewed it. Figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson probably never foresaw the diary of Martha Ballard, a backwoods midwife, becoming such a crucial source for studying early America. They likely never dreamt of the reimagining of Alexander Hamilton's life as an opera, representing a modern interpretation far removed from the historical truth.

In conclusion, future historians may find numerous aspects of 2018 fascinating and novel. From the peculiarities of daily life to the evolving landscapes of society and technology, the past remains a vast, untapped repository of knowledge waiting to be rediscovered. As these historians delve into our era, they will undoubtedly reveal a world as strange and intriguing as any lost civilization.