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Cover of What Does History Teach?: Two Edinburgh Lectures

What Does History Teach?: Two Edinburgh Lectures

Written by John Stuart Blackie

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HistoryPolitical scienceChurch and state

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About this book

"What Does History Teach?" by John Stuart Blackie is a collection of philosophical lectures written in the late 19th century. The work exerts a deep examination of the nature of humanity, society, and the lessons history imparts, particularly regarding the structures of the state and the church. Blackie explores the evolution of human societies, emphasizing the roles of invention, progression, and the significance of family in historical contexts. The opening of the text lays a foundational argument that human beings are defined by their ability to innovate and progress, contrasting this with animals which function predictably. Blackie argues that history reveals man as a species that aspires to ideals, shapes societies based on familial units, and evolves through interactions that undermine simplistic primal structures. He discusses three social platforms—prehistoric, pastoral, and agricultural—and the transformational role these stages have on societal organization, while also noting the importance of authority, particularly familial authority, in forming the basis for later political systems. The early sections foreshadow the more extensive exploration of state and church dynamics that follow in the lectures.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in What Does History Teach?: Two Edinburgh Lectures, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • Philosophical
  • Didactic
  • Analytical

John Stuart Blackie's "What Does History Teach?" is a collection of two late 19th-century philosophical lectures that delve into the profound lessons embedded within human history. Blackie establishes humanity's unique capacity for innovation and progressive evolution, contrasting it with the static nature of the animal kingdom. He meticulously traces the development of human societies through various stages, emphasizing the foundational role of family and authority in shaping complex social and political structures. A central focus is dedicated to a comprehensive examination of the State and the Church, analyzing their historical formation, societal impact, and their indispensable roles in fostering human civilization. Ultimately, the work aims to extract universal principles and wisdom from the past, guiding readers toward a deeper understanding of human nature and societal organization.

“Man is distinguished from the animals not by what he *is*, but by what he *aspires* to be and by his capacity for *progression*.”

Key themes

Human Nature and Progress
Blackie posits that humanity is fundamentally defined by its capacity for innovation, progression, and the aspiration towards ideals, setting it apart from the static nature of the animal kingdom. This theme explores the inherent drive within humans to evolve, learn, and improve their condition and understanding, suggesting that history is a testament to this continuous, albeit sometimes fraught, journey.
The Lessons of History
This overarching theme is the central premise of the entire work: that history is not merely a collection of past events but a vital teacher offering profound insights into human nature, societal dynamics, and the consequences of actions. Blackie aims to extract universal principles and guidance from historical patterns, arguing that understanding the past is crucial for navigating the present and shaping a better future. The lectures themselves are an exercise in applying this principle.
Societal Evolution and Organization
This theme traces the development of human societies through distinct stages—prehistoric, pastoral, and agricultural—demonstrating how organizational structures become increasingly complex. Blackie emphasizes that societal evolution is not random but follows patterns influenced by invention, changing modes of production, and the evolving understanding of communal living. He highlights the foundational role of family and authority in shaping these developments.

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To what extent does Blackie's distinction between human innovation and animal predictability still hold true in contemporary thought?

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