Lists in History

Lists in History

I don’t know about you, but it seems I have been writing lists for years. We’re not the only ones; lists have been around forever!

In my opinion, the ‘First List’ and perhaps the most important list ever made was the list Moses made called “The Ten Commandments”. Moses made this list in stone; he certainly did not want to risk losing his list!

The Ten commandments

1.I am the Lord your God…
2.You Shall Not Make Grave Images
3.Do Not Take God’s Name in Vain
4.Keep holy the Lord’s Day
5.Honor your Father and Mother
6.Do Not Kill
7.Do Not Commit Adultery
8.Do Not Steal
9.Do Not Lie
10.Honor Your Neighbors Goods

From Hamlet to Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare used the word list 108 times in his writing; he obviously thought lists were important!

Friedrich List is the most famous person named List. List was a German economist who lived 1789-1846 and was an advocate for economic protection for young industries and nations. I would be very interested in seeing List’s lists.

Many people actively research their family history and lists can help. The passenger list from the Mayflower has often been used for Americans to trace their ancestors; you can also check your ancestors through the list at Ellis Island.

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, also known as the Bill of Rights is an important list that everyone should be familiar to all Americans.

1.Freedom of religion
2.The right to bear arms
3.No soldier hall be quartered in any house
4.No unreasonable searches of home or property
5.Due process of law
6The right to a speedy and public trial
7.The right of trial by jury
8.No cruel and unusual punishments
9.Enumeration in the Constitution
10.The powers of the States

That’s a pretty impressive list!

Think of Abe Lincoln who wrote his list on a slate with chalk. It must have been frustrating when he needed the slate for something else before he was able to complete the items on his list.
Of course the list goes on!