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The quote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” by George Santayana from his 1905 book The Life of Reason: The Phases of Human Progress, has continued to prompt reflection on how societies deal with history. This idea has influenced many similar sayings about learning from the past.
Despite widespread awareness of such warnings, the article argues that communities often fail to heed historical lessons. It notes that recurring patterns emerge when previous mistakes are not addressed, and points out that history is shaped not only by distant events but also by choices made in everyday life.
Recently, during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, the United States vetoed a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council for the sixth time. The resolution called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. All other member states supported this resolution. The vote came shortly after a report from the UN Human Rights Council concluded that Israel is responsible for committing genocide in Gaza.
The article states: “One more report from one more global entity affirming the truth that has been reported for many months. The public outcry against the crimes against humanity being committed has been resounding, and yet, support for the perpetuation of this atrocity continues.”
It further comments on how history is repeating itself as violence escalates and communities face destruction. “A group of people is being destroyed before us in this moment. The lessons of the past that include genocide committed in other countries are being ignored. What started out as ‘conflict’ has escalated to genocide.”
The piece lists various groups facing exclusion or targeting today—women, children, people of color, ethnic minorities, transgender people, sexual minorities, religious minorities, and migrants—and suggests these trends reflect ongoing failures to apply lessons learned from previous eras.
Communities of faith are also mentioned as sometimes complicit in enabling crimes against humanity: “The co-opting of religion to justify the killings fields of our day is unjust and ignores the tenet of the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated.”
The article concludes by questioning what future historians will say about current events and decisions taken by individuals, faith groups, and governments: “History is being made today.”
