Exploring the Intersection of History and Philosophy
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Chapter 1: The Birth of HIPIA
Welcome to our latest venture in historical discourse, "History is Philosophy in Action" (HIPIA). The terms "new" and "history" may seem contradictory, but the reality is far from it. The essence of history surrounds us, leading to the launch of this unique publication.
We aim to provide a fresh perspective that intertwines history and philosophy along with various related themes. This journey begins with the renowned figure, Herodotus.
Herodotus, often described as the ultimate explorer and thinker, is celebrated in Edith Hamilton's book, The Greek Way. She describes him as someone who traveled extensively during the fifth century BC, dubbing him "the world's first sightseer." His explorations were fueled by joy and curiosity.
Hamilton notes that the term "history" derives from the Greek word for investigation, a concept personified by Herodotus. Throughout his travels, he meticulously documented his observations and the narratives of the people he met, inadvertently establishing what we now recognize as history. He can be viewed as the pioneer of our field.
This is why I chose Herodotus’ bust as the emblem of our publication. History is akin to a journey. While he roamed the physical world, we can traverse time itself. The experiences we uncover will reflect a blend of awe and dread, mirroring the complexity of human existence.
But there's more to it than that.
The eminent historian Will Durant once stated, "History is philosophy in action" in his work Heroes of History. With his background as a philosophy educator, Durant was uniquely positioned to understand this interplay. Initially enamored with philosophy, he later found it lacking in practical application.
As he delved deeper into the past, Durant recognized that philosophy could often seem merely theoretical. In contrast, history is rooted in action. It serves as a narrative of human endeavors—though not always virtuous, it is never dull.
So, What Can You Anticipate?
Our founder embraced the Greek notion of investigation as the essence of writing history. This principle will guide our content.
Expect thorough research underpinning every piece we publish, crafted with care and diligence. While we will incorporate opinions and draw connections between past and present, our foundations will always rest on rigorously gathered knowledge.
Our writing will also be delivered through the art of storytelling—a powerful tool in human communication.
As Will Durant suggested, expect intersections with philosophy and even some scientific insights. Prepare for a diverse array of topics, all cohesively linked by history and the inquisitive spirit of our founder.
One last assurance: we value your time immensely. You can trust that each interaction with our content will be engaging, well-researched, and thoughtfully composed.
We invite you to join us on this enlightening journey, exploring history while witnessing philosophy come to life.
