When an elder dies, a library is burned

The words of Elizabeth Lindsey on TEDTalks, "When an elder dies, a library is burned", is so much truer for cultures that relied on oral histories.

I think of all the burned libraries in African history and wonder if it matters. Why is it even important to preserve the past. What does it have to do with the future? And I do not have an answer. But I have a very strong gut feeling that it is important, I just can't put in in words. Yet.

According to Elizabeth Lindsey's bio, she'll be setting out on a 186 day global expedition to chronicle teachings critical to navigating the complexity of our times. That will be interesting to follow, and perhaps, will help me better clarify why we need to preserve our past.

See her TED Talk below: