Remember how they taught us history?
They made us memorize assorted dates,
built propaganda out of mystery,
and forced curricula this student hates.
But even dumpsites tend to hold some jewels –
I learned to learn or else repeat mistakes,
and never view our ancestors as fools,
for primitive and stupid don’t equate.

Remember gems of wisdom, but don’t grow
and idolize them to idea-cide.
Refine from all that’s past what’s there to know;
beware the unsuccessful but think wide.
And credit ancient people with their due –
as peers in ignorance with me and you.