“And They Forgot”

During my school years, science and math were easily my favorite subjects. When reading time came up, I would pick up a space or weather book. Other times, I would play around with the numbers on the board, seeing what combinations I could create. In the eyes of the education system, that was perfect. I was all in on STEM. However, I was neglecting a key subject—history.

A Pattern That Felt Inevitable

While working at a factory, I had plenty of time to ponder the world, the faith, and myself. I found myself reflecting on generations, especially the saying: “Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, weak men create hard times.” I kept seeing the pattern play out.

At times, it felt inevitable.

But I wanted better for my kids and the generation below me. I didn’t want the strength of one generation to become the weakness of the next. There had to be an answer, but it eluded me for a time.

Seeing History Differently

Fast forward to the end of my time at the factory. After applying to many jobs, I landed an interview with the Catholic Textbook Project. They had created history books that presented secular history as a narrative, including the contributions of the Church. I was excited about the opportunity, but my old love of science still pulled me toward the science books they offered.

That slowly began to change.

After starting the job, I kept hearing story after story from teachers and parents about how learning history had deeply impacted their students. I started to realize that most of my heroes were fictional characters, while these students were being introduced to real-life men and women worth admiring.

The textbooks weren’t just teaching facts—they were giving students a sense of place. A sense of belonging within a much larger story. What was once a fog for me began to clear. I started to see the impact of knowing our history.

“And They Forgot”

Then the final piece fell into place.

While listening to The Bible in a year, a phrase kept repeating: “And they forgot.” It appears when a new pharaoh arises who forgets Joseph, and again when the Israelites forget Joshua. Over and over, God delivers His people—and over and over, they forget, falling back into sin.

That line unlocked the answer I had been searching for.

How do we break the cycle?

We remember the past. We teach history.

Why Weak Men Form

Why does the weak man form? Not simply because life gets easier, but because he forgets what it took to build what he has inherited. He forgets the sacrifice, the discipline, and the cost paid by those before him.

When we teach men the story of history—global, local, and personal—they begin to see differently. They gain a real appreciation for those who came before them. They don’t just enjoy what was built; they feel responsible for it.

👉 If this is the kind of man you want to become, subscribe to Anvil & Arrow.
Each week, I share lessons like this—grounded in story, history, and practical action—to help you build strength, virtue, and legacy.

Even something as simple as learning the history of the Marine Corps can shift a man’s mindset—from serving himself to honoring those who went before him.

That’s the power of remembering.

Build—and Pass It On

As men, we want to build. We discipline ourselves, sharpen our skills, and create in the world around us. But we can’t stop there.

We also have a responsibility to build up the next generation—not just with our abilities, but with the story that will guide them long after we’re gone.

Your Challenge This Week

Take one step into history.

Pick one:

• Learn the story of a man worth admiring (historical or local)
• Ask your father, grandfather, or an older man about his life
• Read or listen to a section of history instead of defaulting to entertainment

Then do one more thing: pass it on.
Share what you learned with your kids, your wife, or a friend.

Because the cycle doesn’t just break when we remember—
it breaks when we help others remember too.

Next week: Most men think they’ll rise when the moment comes.
They won’t.
We’ll look at Batman Begins and why the man is forged long before he’s needed.

⚒️ Forge Ahead

Anvil: the place of formation.
Arrow: the mission we’re sent on.

The world needs more men formed in virtue. Forward this to a brother who’s ready to grow.

👉 Want more? Subscribe to Anvil & Arrow and join a community of men committed to forging strength, virtue, and legacy.