American Founding

Lord Acton said that the purpose of studying history is to sharpen one's conscience. By examining the deeds of the past, a man discovers how culture was built through trial and error. Faulkner wrote  "the past isn't dead, its not even past." To Faulkner, a person cannot understand himself without knowing history. He is afloat in the universe, untethered and uprooted from the world. Finally, in Greek Mythology memory is the mother of the muses. Noble creation, progress, and ingenuity all blossom from the soil of tradition. If one wants their child to grow into a sturdy adult capable of bearing the world, let him be rooted in history, so that when the world displays its colors, it will not be his first time seeing them. 

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The teaching of American history has become the playground of propogandists. Paying no heed to historical methods, bias, or sources, activists utilize history as a vehicle for their ideology. In contrast, Renaissance Tutor teaches history from an attitude of piety knowing that humility is the road to wisdom. The student will be taught to remove their biases, read original sources, and absorb the great past. Once true understanding is attained, logical and moral judgement is employed following Acton's encouragement to sharpen the conscience. 

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The study of the American Founding is particularly important for American students. By studying their country's history students receive their heritage and identity. However, there are many other benefits. Morals and strategy are examined through the study of politics and war. Questions of law and justice are probed when learning about the Declaration of Independence and the  Constitution. Properly taught, America's Founding is an excellent exercise in reason. Through extensive and deep reading, debate, writing, art, and field trips, Renaissance Tutor students will be rooted in their country's history. 

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