Why History ?

Anyone that knows me understands that my true passion as a hobby is reading books on Founding Fathers. Why ? Of course, understanding the framers of the Consitution helps one (particularly an attorney) understand the basis or true intent of our laws. Amazing to see how brilliant men 200 years ago are still more progressive than the American population as a whole. As the world one day goes toward a world government these enlightened views of our Framers will look commonplace rather than novel. Why is it that despite constitutional restrictions against cruel and unusual punishment and double jeopardy, we still have the death penalty and enact exorbitant "surcharges" on crimes like DWI and no insurance once those cases have been handled in court ?

Well, I came across a brilliant quote today by Sir Walter Scott that I find particularly revealing.

"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect."