In this, our final Historical Perspective for the 1996-97 season, it's appropriate to review the various times, places, and topics that we have examined during the last 30 weeks. We have looked at times so long ago that they are almost beyond comprehension. We have looked at times as recently as the last few decades , and almost everything in between, from ancient Greece to medieval Europe to early America . We have examined a vast variety of topics, including childhood , disease , art , economics , exploration , diet , medical care , morality , sexuality , culture , living standards , housing , crime and punishment , air travel , and life expectancy . While we can't speak for the readers, we as researchers, writers, and editors have learned quite a bit.
People are individuals, no matter which historical period they happen to live in.
But if we generalize, it seems that the basic nature of people hasn't changed over time. During the entire period of recorded history, people have needed and wanted the same basic things that we need and want today. Non-material needs haven't changed much either. People still desire acceptance, prestige, and other social values. It doesn't seem like a mother's desire to care for her child has changed very much over the centuries.