Douglas: intersting point.  Actually, I focus on the present and the future.  Of course I recognize that today is the product of countless yesterdays and tomorrow will represent all the todays we've lived in addition. 

I think an understanding of the past is necessary to deal with the present and work for a better future.  We have no argument on this.

Pride? Guilt?  I take pride in what I do.  I feel guilt if I do something I realize was improper after I've done it.  If I did something knowing at the time that it was "wrong", I'd be guilty of immorality.......

On the pride side:  I have no right to take "credit" for the actions of others.  However, I feel fine saying "I'm proud of what my Dad was and did during his life"........that means I'm proud of him.  I see that different from "pride" which I fee as more "self-directed."  Make sense?