"As we enjoy great advantages from the inventions of others, we should be glad of the opportunity provided to serve self-interest when Al Gore created the internet; and we should also thank Mark Zuckerburg and Jack Dorsey for creating Facebook and Twitter out of the kindness of their big hearts and not the thinness of their small wallets."
-Ben Franklin, Autobiography (1742)

Thursday, March 31, 2011

On the Importance of Historical Accuracy

Short but poignant post today as we'd like to take an opportunity to share a behind-the-scenes clip discovered by our staff from what appears to be the History Channel. In the clip, executives discuss an upcoming broadcast on one of the deciding battles during the Civil War. 

While the history itself is very much in line with most of the rumor the Lost and Founders team has heard about Lee's infamous 1864 march, it is clear from the footage that the executives have somewhat "exaggerated" the truth of what really happened during the battle. The ensuing discussion is humorous, but as true historians we feel it necessary to chastise this "history channel" for attempting to circumvent the truth for the sake of better ratings. 

This is exactly the practice that we are trying to overcome here at Lost and Founders - changing history to suit the needs of the present. Take our word for it- history is fascinating and relevant enough on its own. So to these would-be historians, we salute you and your passion for the past, but next time - just the facts please.

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