The Nature of History

Kazmarov · 08-08-2008, 10:42 PM

Is history linear or cyclical?

ExpectantlyIronic · 08-09-2008, 11:54 AM

It seems to me that things have simply gotten better throughout the ages, in general. There is no reason that has to continue, but I reckon it will. So, I suppose, linear. We could certainly find cycles in history, but I think my stance holds insofar as the quality of the times is concerned.

ysabel · 08-09-2008, 12:05 PM

Is it possible for it to be both? First thing that came to my mind is the line, "history repeats itself" but I think that some events in history eventually alter its course. Although even when we progress into another level, it seems we still find a way to form new cycles.

Firzen · 08-10-2008, 10:58 AM

Perhaps you need to differ the human behaviour because things like war repeat over the past few thousand years although we had enough wars to understand its destructive power. Apart from that humankind has learned mostly from its mistakes thus leads to a linear history in many aspects.

Duke1985 · 08-10-2008, 11:16 PM

I think its linear, as far as history repeating itself, I think thats bound to happen, people make the same mistakes or don't learn from past lessons. Also theres probably only so much that can happen, and some things are bound to happen over again. Take war for example, theres so many similar scenarios that similar wars for similar reasons are bound to be fought.

Oooh_snap · 08-11-2008, 10:23 AM

I am going to agree with most everyone else. I think it is linear, but there is alway bound to be some form of repetition now and then. I think this is the way that life is in general. I suppose it also depends on how similar a person would feel the events need to be for it to be cyclical. What is your input on this question Kaz?