Musings: My History Teacher
The question “Who was your most influential teacher? Why?” evokes memories of my high school history teacher, Mr. Achterberg. He was an exceptional educator who significantly enriched my understanding of the broader world, our civilization, diverse cultures, and the intricate interconnectedness of historical events. Mr. Achterberg, a gentle and erudite individual with varied interests, was ahead of his time, displaying concern for environmental issues and the peril of nuclear weapons as early as the 1960s.
Unlike many educators of his era, Mr. Achterberg’s historical teachings were devoid of embellishments or the conventional narratives steeped in patriotism or nationalism prevalent post-World War II and during the Indonesian War of Independence. Instead, he presented the unvarnished truth, urging us to delve deeper into historical realities.
He profoundly influenced my perspective on history by bridging the past with the present, encouraging critical thinking, inspiring a thirst for knowledge through extensive reading, and prompting inquiries into contentious topics like the bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Moreover, he compelled us to critically evaluate the role of the Netherlands in global affairs, confronting uncomfortable truths about our nation’s involvement in the slave trade and challenging the idealized perceptions of national heroes.
William J J Houtzager, Aka WJJH – 22.3.2024
📌Blog Excerpt
About the question: Who was your most influential teacher? Why?” The answer is simple, Mr. Achterberg. He enriched my understanding of the world and history by presenting unembellished truths and encouraging critical thinking. He inspired a thirst for knowledge and urged us to critically evaluate historical events and our nation’s involvement in global affairs.
In what kind of world do we wish to live 