Quote:
Originally Posted by alex_revell
Fokker,
People may well be able to achieve some kind of knowledge of the mind set of people in the past, through letters, diaries etc. But in my opinion, to gain an understanding of their moral and ethical values, by which lived in the ethos of their time, and to get a real insight one needs to met the actual people.
|
Hi Alex,
I can appreciate that.
Unfortunately my Father's parents had both passed away by the time he was twelve years old, otherwise I might have had first hand knowledge of people born around 1880/1885. My Maternal grandparents and some Aunts and Uncles were born around 1901 to 1909, I did know them intamately and that was as close to this time period as I would come, along with their memories and histories.
Plenty of people have good moral and ethical values even today, but yes we have been exposed to a Hell of a lot more which would num anyone's senses.
Best Wishes, Jay
P.S. When I was young, I asked about Grampa's uniform or anything else from his service in the Great War. I was told that upon returning to America/Home that he burned his uniform and went to Canada to ride his horse and gather his thoughts. I was able to accept that. I believe that all that was left is his Diary, Service Medal, a fotograf in uniform, and his Coffin Flag.