Savarkar's Point that Past is Prologue

While reading Savarkar, I thought it was interesting that he emphasizes the importance of knowing history as a means to mediate the future. It reminded me of Shakespeare’s quote, “What’s past is prologue” and its relevancy and universality in application. By understanding the past, it not only decreases the chances of repeating past mistakes, but it also gives a person insight into the importance of the future. If an individual were to learn about his/her family’s past, it would make participation in certain rituals worthwhile. For example, the Jewish tradition of a bar or bat mitzvah is only important if that individual takes the time learn Hebrew and understand the meaning behind the Torah. This mirrors Savarkar’s declaration that, “But without an exposition of the hidden causes and the mysterious forces that worked beneath, the essence of a revolution can never be made plain. And therefore it is that history attaches more importance to the exposition of principles than to mere narrative” (205). Understanding the past is an enabler of action: with that knowledge of history, a defined will and concrete motivation can be used to achieve a particular outcome. Without knowing the history of a nation, wanting change from that former way of life would be insignificant; revolution is only meaningful if people understand the negatives of the past. By knowing the facts of the past, it makes change more significant and worthwhile.