David McCullough, two-time Pulitzer Prize winning author and historian, visited Auburn Tuesday, Oct. 15.
McCullough's visit was made possible by support from Merchant Capital LLC of Montgomery and is sponsored by Auburn University's Office of the Provost and Office of Undergraduate Studies.
In front of a crowd of approximately 2,000 people, McCullough delivered a message on the role of history in education and life.
"History is about life, not boring textbooks," McCullough said. "Of course, it should be taught about political, military and social issues, but also should not leave out music, art and freedom."
McCullough, who won his first Pulitzer Prize in 1993 for his biography on Harry Truman, and a second for his 2001 publication of "John Adams," referenced his works while keeping the focus on history in education.
Discussing the role of books in the lives of John Adams and Theodore Roosevelt, McCullough attempted to prove that reading about one's country is the best way for a citizen to become educated.
"There are still more public libraries than McDonalds," McCullough said. "Libraries equal freedom and we should take advantage of all of the resources around us to learn about our country. If you are a student of history, you learn to love history and you begin to take history as a part of the experience of being alive," McCullough said.
Many Auburn students took notes on the advice McCullough offered.
"You find out what you really love in college," McCullough said. "Follow your heart about what interests you and stay curious. Don't worry about being successful, powerful, or rich. Do something because you love it."
Some of the students left the arena with a different outlook on history.
"Before I heard him [McCullough] speak, I saw history as the class that required me to memorize facts and dates," said David Haven, sophomore in business. "But now, I see it as a part of my life and who I am and I think it will help me when I sit down to study."
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