History for Young Minds: Gombrich's Journey Through Time and Its Lessons

​Creating an A.I. book for kids with the incredible ReadyAI team was a huge task, much harder than we thought. Trying to squeeze the story of A.I. Big Ideas into a small, kid-friendly book felt almost impossible. But this challenge reminded me of what E.H. Gombrich, a young historian without a job in Vienna, did in 1935. He had to write a giant history book for kids in six weeks! Gombrich worked hard, researching all day and writing one chapter each night, then talking about what he wrote with his future wife every week. His writing made the book feel like a bunch of fun blog posts, easy and friendly to read. I first got to know this book thanks to a great mentor in Washington, DC, and 2024, I just had to reread it.

Not long after it came out, "A Little History of the World" (first published in German) was banned by the Nazis because it promoted peace. By then, Gombrichr had already moved from Austria to the United Kingdom. This first success led him to write "The Story of Art," which became a worldwide hit (I also recommend this book), selling over ten million copies and translating into more than 35 languages. Gombrich didn't just list historical facts or give new theories; he was great at making complicated topics easy and exciting to understand. Amazingly, "A Little History of the World" is the only book covering world history from the Stone Age to the 20th century and can be read easily in a day.

Gombrich uses a down-to-earth style to connect with young and older readers alike, showing that even he, as a historian, sometimes finds historical events unexplainable. For example, when discussing why Persia attacked Babylon from 550 to 500 B.C., he admits, "Something amazing happened then. I don't completely get it, but that makes it interesting." His goal is to show how history has shaped our world today. He explains where many common words like 'democracy,' 'vandalism,' 'algebra,' 'paper,' 'duke,' and even the names of days and months come from. This way, he highlights how deeply history is woven into our daily lives and language which is truly fascinating.

Considering the era in which it was written, Gombrich's book focuses mainly on Europe. Although it does cover Indian and Chinese history, Gombrich doesn't seem as excited about important figures like the Buddha—pointing out issues with applying his teachings—and Confucius, who he considers too straightforward. The story of Jesus, on the other hand, is given a lot of attention, including many references from the Bible. Sometimes, Gombrich's choice of words might come across as insensitive, for example, when he compares Roman commoners to Indians or suggests that women in the medieval period were less able to handle discomfort than men. As a result, "A Little History of the World" can be seen more as a story of Western culture from the perspective of the early 20th century, similar to how Henry Kissinger's "Diplomacy" mainly deals with Western political history despite its general title.

Despite its straightforward approach, "A Little History of the World" is a valuable tool for young history fans and experts looking to reach a wider audience outside their field. While its child-friendly narrative might not align perfectly with contemporary non-academic writing styles, Gombrich's skill in discussing broad historical themes without being overly simplistic or just listing facts is impressive. The book presents strong opinions, leading to significant criticism, such as from Andrew Roberts in the Financial Times, who felt it should not be used in educational settings because of what he saw as Marxist leanings. This critique often comes from Gombrich's clear depiction of the struggles workers endured during the Industrial Revolution and his direct condemnation of imperialism, which some interpret as a political stance rather than an honest account of historical wrongs.

Gombrich skillfully makes his story captivating and different from what you'd find in a usual Wikipedia page or schoolbook. He aims to lighten the load of memorizing dates for his readers, instead hoping to spark a deep interest and understanding of the importance of history. Gombrich said he wants his readers to relax and enjoy the story without jotting down notes or remembering every name and date. He mixes historical facts with his reflections, showing regret when talking about the harsh realities of the 20th century but also highlighting why it's crucial to know these things to avoid repeating them in the future. Similarly, even though he is saddened by the violence done in the name of religion over the ages, he still manages to keep a positive view of the future despite all the wars and conflicts he talks about.

I can't recommend this book enough—it's truly captivating. Without giving too much away, let me offer you a glimpse to pique your interest. Gombrich starts with an intriguing thought: behind every "Once upon a time," there's another story waiting to be told. He draws an analogy to standing between two mirrors, seeing an endless reflection that fades into the distance but never really ends. This metaphor, introduced on the first page, beautifully sets up the book's exploration of memory, history, and the passage of time. It suggests that even if we can't see or fully grasp Something, it's still there, shaping our understanding of the past.

By the end of the first chapter, Gombrich invites us to view history not just as a collection of stories but as our story—the narrative of the world we all share. He encourages us always to question the "when" and "how" of events, guiding us through humanity's complex, layered stories. This approach not only defines the study of history but also encapsulates Gombrich's mission in the book: to delve into the human stories that have woven the fabric of our collective past. Let's start this journey together.