Contribution of geology to shaping of ideas on the meaning of history
However opinions may vary regarding the meaning of history, with relation to specific situations there seems to be general agreement concerning its significance, in the characterization of an important dictionary, as “devoted to the exposition of the natural unfolding and interdependence of events.” Ideas concerning interdependence of events in series are, of course, only one means of indicating that we find it difficult to conceive of successions of things and events without expression of interdependence which suggests cause and effect. Present-day thought furnishes varied opinions as to the extent to which human history may be used as the basis of prediction. It shows much less difference of opinion regarding development of existing situations out of the past, or concerning the desirability of such formulations of knowledge as would assist in attempts to plan the future intelligently. The realization by all thinking persons that present world conditions involve an enormous volume . . .