Same as it ever was.

Interesting letter from the WSJ:

In “Don’t Know Much About History” (de gustibus, Sept. 5) David Feith, in his criticism of today’s civic education, demonstrates yet another American characteristic: lack of historical memory. Civic literacy?

Take a look at the survey done in 1943 by Columbia University historian Allan Nevins of 6,000 entering freshmen at some of the most distinguished colleges and universities in America. Over half did not know the dates of the Civil War, could not locate St. Louis on a map; nearly two-thirds identified Walt Whitman as an American bandleader — they mistook him for Paul Whiteman. A goodly number also identified the philosopher and psychologist William James as Jesse’s brother.

Some things never change.

Sol Gittleman
Medford, Mass.