On this day, 27 January 2010, US libertarian socialist historian, activist and former World War II air force bombardier Howard Zinn, died aged 87. Through his extensive writings on history from a grassroots perspective, especially his seminal People’s History of the United States, he helped inspire a new generation in the concept of history from below, including us at Working Class History.
Zinn observed that “Historically, the most terrible things - war, genocide, and slavery - have resulted not from disobedience, but from obedience.”
And while his work does examine huge rebellions and brave deeds, he also stressed the importance of how we act in our everyday lives: “We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”
If you haven’t read People’s History yet it is highly recommended. You can get it here from an independent bookstore: https://bookshop.org/a/80203/9780062397348 https://www.facebook.com/workingclasshistory/photos/a.296224173896073/1908650032653471/?type=3