Commentary If history teaches us anything, it is that the past is perhaps the single darkest shadow haunting humanity. Since the dawn of human civilization, our modern world has made countless attempts to rewrite, escape, and even purge its most dreadful memories, while clinging dear to that which is better remembered. Let’s face it: the past can evoke indescribable pain. Awaken grief. Expose secrets. Produce anger. Move us to vulnerable places. Nonetheless, the past not all bad. The past can inform present reason. Provide reassurance for the future. Reveal hidden truths. Remind us of where we have been, who we are, and with that, what we can overcome. Allow me to elaborate. Some years ago during what many would call the first manifestations of the “cancel culture” movement, I attended a U.S. history lecture. Spirited debate over the existence of racist, xenophobic, and white supremacist symbols in America consumed the …