...that Mozart was born in Sydney. I was in England at the time and came across people who thought the comment was true. Were there people in Australia who thought the same?
Quite a number of people (perhaps even some politicians) may automatically believe all sorts of strange things merely because the information is presented on television, in books or magazines or web pages or blog-pamphlets. Even when something is mentioned in conversation by someone who has some sort of authority, that person's every opinion might, quite likely, be regularly mistaken for fact by the unenlightened.
I am dreadfully concerned that many policy decisions, and personal decisions, are based on an inaccurate understanding of history (or perhaps even ignore history completely). My hope, dear reader, is that you will at least think about the causes of the early 21st century's global financial crisis, and consider my own opinions in that context.
When I began writing blog-pamphlets, my aim was to assist in tackling tomorrow's troubles today. I still have that aim, of course. It is the duty of every enlightened person to do so. My second aim has been to promote a deeper understanding of the indigenous cultural heritage of Australia, along with other worthy aspects of the world's cultural heritage.
On a personal level, a deeper understanding of history, archaeology and oral tradition can assist, to some extent, in developing our knowledge of society and culture, especially as individuals. It is the necessary prerequisite for world peace. Yet how do we overcome the more pressing problem of ignorance (and apathy) at a societal level?
I cordially invite you, dear reader, to provided suggestions about appropriately enlightening web links about life in Adelaide in the 18th century. Here are some fruits of my own research, just as a beginning:
Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute Inc
Living Kaurna Cultural Centre
South Australian Museum Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery
Many books on Australian history state that European settlement began in New South Wales because the British government needed somewhere to put its surplus convicts when it was no longer able to send them to its former colonies in North America.
But why was a Pacific Solution sought back then when Britain had other colonies? Was it mainly for reasons of political expediency? Was it purely for strategic or economic reasons? Did the British government claim the territory of New Holland just to prevent other colonial powers, especially France, from doing so?
What can we learn from history about the connection between empire building and oppression? What can it teach us about corporate "empires", corruption, nationalist claims, social problems and economic challenges?
When did European diseases first arrive in Australia? History books mention that introduced diseases spread along Aboriginal trade routes before Europeans arrived to explore and settle in South Australia. When did those diseases first reach the Kaurna people and their neighbours? How did those diseases affect their societies and cultures?
Why is it important for today's Adelaideans to know about these subjects? Are epidemics of disease just something of the past? Have you had flu symptoms recently?
In May, I wrote a few words about books. I mentioned that my favourite book about South Australia is one that is now online. It is this one:
The Atlas of South Australian
Also in May, I introduced my interest in the natural history of Adelaide.
Learn more about Adelaide's natural history here
My Light and Delightful Guide to Adelaide is a project I hope you will appreciate, dear reader. However, I have received several anonymous comments recently (only one of which has been suitable for publication) from someone who has not understood the context in which my words have been written. Perhaps Clive James meant his comment about Mozart and Sydney to be light and delightful, too.
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