Question: I want to educate myself in history -- where do I start?

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Answer #1:

There is so much history it will take you more than your lifetime to know everything. Pick a part of history that you're interested in, eg Roman history, then start from there. You could also start by picking up a very general history book that gives a bit of info on a wide subject, eg European history, then decide what you're interested in.

Answer #2:

I would say start with a great ancient civilization (or all of them) to whet your appetite, such as Greece, Rome, Egypt or even China when they were in their prime. These places were centres of culture and life in the past and many other civilizations were inspired by them and take cultures from them. They were truly great and have enduring influence on our lives, e.g. latin is used in scientific naming, English is abound with latin and sometimes greek derived words such as "per se", "carpe diem" etc. (and even "et cetera too).

Then, take on the 20th century. It's said to be a turning point in human history, with World Wars, blossoming technology, economic crises (1929, 1997), the rise of Asia (Japan and China), several major pandemics (1918, 1957) and an atomic bomb. Everything just moves at the speed of light (or close to it, anyway) This ought to put you in perspective for many topics at dinner tables or social gatherings because it's the closest complete century and it's just so so happening.

After that, fill in the blanks with what you fancy. You could trace a culture (or yours) through the times to have a complete timeline, or you could focus on a specific time and explore what was happening in all of that timeframe (e.g. 19th century). In my history class, we take thematic modules such as "Rise of Japan and China" or "Germany and Russia in the 20th century" which are centred on major world events and stories that are developing even now.

As for philosophy, literature and music, I suggest you tackle it separately from history because there are very few books that would give so much information: philo AND music AND lit AND history. Unless of course you're focussing solely on one culture such as the Romans, then you can get books and books on the culture which would encompass all the fields.

You don't have to get heavy, dense, wordy books on everything. They might just kill your interest, so start light. You could try some books that are filled with graphics (but make sure they're relevant like artifacts) and text to explain the significance of those graphics and at the same time those books should make sure you still get history facts and understand events at a macro level. Try a variety of sources: Internet, books (and there are many many types of books on history: graphic novel histories [yes, really], textbook-types, hardcover display books etc.).

A whole world of knowledge is out there, carpe diem! (seize the day!) (:





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