The Wanderer Above A Sea Of Fog Summary

1. According to Gaddis, what are the three purposes of the book? Put each purpose in your own words.
Gaddis’s first purpose of the book was to publicly display a special respect for both past scholars, specifically Marc Bloch and E. H. Carr, and his own students. The reason for this this is due to the fact that both groups have taught him much in regards to history. Secondly, he made the book so that he could resolve his thoughts before he lost his mind as a result of an excess of information. Lastly, Gaddis thought that it was necessary to bring some information up to date several years after both Bloch and Carr’s careers came to an end. He saw that both men had a unique view compared to other historians that allowed them to foresee some progressions
This relates to human history in the sense that, within history, mankind can often be observed and seen as attempting to overcome some feat, whether it be harsh new landscapes, disease, or even other humans among other things. Another element of the photo is the plains and the mountains. Both being very distinctly contrasting land structures, it shows represents the widely varying moments in human history, such as the French Revolution and 9/11. Also, in the photo there is a mass of fog that gives us an uncertainty as to what lies in the distance. In human history, it has always been impossible to know what the futures holds, similar to how the fog makes it unclear what is ahead, as time progresses parts of what was previously unknown are revealed, similar to if the fog were to gradually clear, revealing more of what could not be seen.
4. On page 3, Gaddis states “we know the future only by the past we project into it. History, in this sense, is all we have.” What does this mean? In your opinion, does this quote accurately describe the importance of
He then relates this to the representation of historical knowledge, which I agree with. One feels small in the universe, but when representing historical knowledge, one can feel superior, like a prince, because you control the depiction. So, historical knowledge is very important in correspondence with historical consciousness. You must see your importance and unimportance to accurately portray history, so that the past is neither represented as superior or inferior.
8. Read page 11 carefully. In your own words explain how the past and present shape one another?
The past shapes the present by the passing on of experience. This experience teaches us of the past and allows us to mold the present based on the desirable and less desirable outcomes that have taken place. We are able to learn from history and expand upon the actions of the past so that a more favorable present is made. Also, the perspective of the present on the past shapes it. As we live through events, our perspective of the past is changed based on experience that has been passed on, as well as the consequences and outcomes that we reflect on and learn