Hangups From Way Back (Historical Myths and Canons, Volume 1)

The blame for student criticism of the lack of relevance in their education - for their feeling that what they are studying somehow does not relate to the world they live in - must be shared by teachers and the books they use. Although teachers of the world and Western civilization defend their courses - justifiably - as being necessary to an understanding of today's world, it is clear many have failed to communicate history's relevance. Obviously, more effective teaching tools are necessary. This book attempts to demonstrate this relevance. And what is more relevant today then the way man handles myth, and idea that seems eternal but is actually only transient? We build our cultures on myths; indeed, myths are necessary for the stability of a culture. Here we are concerned with some ideas that have caused endless controversy and bloodshed throughout history. By seeing how myths have determined man's behavior in the past and how some of them are still with us, perhaps we can better resist their influence.