Ian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am a little perplexed why ordinary people are so
> fascinated with their ancestors. As far as I am
> concerned a couldn't care less who mine were and
> what they did.
>
> All I'm bothered about this the fact that non of
> the useless bunch made enough money and created
> enough wealth to leave me enough to have a good
> life on without having to do anything but indulge
> my desires. Stuff them all I say...
>
>
> Best
>
> Ian

Eh, perhaps it's cultural? Or familial?

I do care, greatly.

And if they didn't leave me enough financial wealth "to have a good life without having to do anything but indulge my desires", all the more power to them! This means I had to stay grounded, instead of running the (significant) risk of turning into a useless parasite or a vapid thrill seeker. What I do, I pay for one way or another.... and this lesson is an invaluable inheritance.

My ancestors also left some some quite useful DNA.... heh, I'd hate to try calculating the value of my genes in financial terms, but even looking just at the current cost of remedial medical treatment, I'm QUITE satisfied with what my ancestors left me. (Wouldn't YOU rather be healthy.... and intelligent..... than rich but sickly & slow witted?). Looks are subjective, so I can't complain (but I CAN brag about my kids!).

I also inherited a decent work ethic, and sense of morality. And some insider's info on various aspects of American history (& prehistory). So again, I'm NOT going to try complaining on account of not getting money instead of REAL wealth.

I've extended family (& tribal kin) all across the US, that function as "ready made contacts" and are automatically halfway to a support network, whether I've met them or not.

And these ancestors of mine gave me a sense of pride in myself (and them), a strong sense of identity, and LOTS of highly unusual stories to tell.

To be honest, *I* find it hard to understand why "some" people DON'T care about their ancestors, and about what went on to create the people & world we see now. But then, I suppose some people simply aren't intested in ANY history, let alone their own. I pity them.

Kenuchelover.