David Mitchell's article highlights the importance of historical education, particularly around authoritarianism, for Generation Z. The author stresses that while democracy is flawed, a historical understanding can safeguard against despotic tendencies. He criticizes the current educational landscape, which emphasizes religious education without a corresponding focus on history, arguing that this potentially hinders youth's understanding of democratic values. The author calls for a reformed curriculum that helps youth learn from past mistakes to reinforce democratic principles, especially in light of contemporary political figures and media influences.
"Having even a vague awareness of the past horrors of authoritarianism can help fight its present stirrings."
"The Nazis used their education curriculum to turn the youth of Germany towards fascism. He must now use ours to turn the youth of this country in the opposite direction and hold democracy high for it is all we have got."
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