Misguided ignorance today makes us like yesterday’s smokers – or slave owners

By Alec Hogg

Spent part of my 4th of July listening to a fascinating interview with author Russell Shorto whose new book Revolution Song has enjoyed good reviews. It tells the stories of six people during the time of the American War of Independence and has been added to my reading list.

Telling the story through the eyes of ordinary folk is a wonderful way to bring history to life. And it also gives perspective of how our species has progressed.

Take slavery, a practice abhorrent to almost everyone alive today, but so widely practiced in the late 1700s that even America's Founding Fathers were willing participants. Or the ignorance of movie stars in the 1940s and 50s who regarded smoking cigarettes as the height of sophistication.

Future generations are sure to be appalled at contemporary approaches influenced by someone's sex, race or religion. Ditto widespread tolerance of self-seeking political leaders or the scourge of fake news. In many things, you do right now, you just need to look forward.