"The commonly used expression, "Those who ignore history are bound (or doomed) to repeat it" is actually a mis-quotation of the original text written by George Santayana, who, in his Reason in Common Sense, The Life of Reason, Vol.1, wrote "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Rooted in the philosophies of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and many others to follow, his biography (1863-1952) and more contemporary intepretations and observations about man and life can be found at Wikipedia by searching for George Santayana. Stanford University online also provides an outstanding and much more detailed background on this important and profound philosopher, essayist, poet and novelist.

Santayana's quotation, in turn, was a slight modification of an Edmund Burke (1729-1797) statement, "Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it." Burke was a British Statesman and Philosopher who is generally viewed as the philosophical founder of modern political conservatism."

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_said_Those_who_ignore_history_...

The above is something I cannot take credit for, but reflects the point cyclist is making in a round about way and why my story has some relevance. You see, the people who followed Hitler into the abyss, loyally served Stalin, carried out Pol Pots orders and hailed Saddam Hussain as a great leader were not monsters with blood dripping from fangs or psychopaths. They were people no different than those you pass in the street, go to work with, meet at school gatherings and elect as you local, state and national leaders. They are you, they are me.

I had a conversation with someone who is serving as first reader to my story 'On the Other Side of the Wire.' In a painfully candid moment we both confessed to things neither of us are particularly proud of, but did because at the time they were deemed to be necessary or expedient. Placed back in the same situation, I have little doubt I would do so again. Over the years I was present at the birth of my three children, all who are now successful adults. I cried at their births and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy their sweet innocence as they grew up. And yet I never hesitated to execute my assigned duties in a manner expected of me. It was my duty, you see.

So do be so kind as to spare me any smugness over the idea that we humans are any better then the people who lived in Germany in the 1930s, or Russia in the '40s and '50s, or Cambodia in the '70s, Rwanda and Bosnia in the '90s or Darfur today. We are, and I expect alway will be but one generation from losing the thin veneer called civilization that separates us from the other animals.

Nancy Cole