George Will's equally serviceable formula was "He does not want to return to the past; he wants to return to the past's way of facing the future." Reagan's variety of future-oriented optimism rooted in historical attachment has become almost unrecognizable in the age of a postmodernism that is openly contemptuous of history and historical experience.
In his analysis, Steven F. Hayward discusses George Will's perspective on Reagan's optimistic vision for the future. Will articulates that Reagan desires to embrace the values of the past while looking forward, suggesting a blend of historical appreciation and forward-thinking. This approach is contrasted with contemporary postmodernism, which often dismisses historical context, indicating a significant shift in societal attitudes toward history.
Hayward highlights that Reagan's optimism, deeply rooted in an appreciation for historical experiences, stands in stark contrast to the prevailing skepticism of history in today's culture. While Reagan aimed to utilize lessons from the past to inform future decisions, the current landscape demonstrates a growing detachment from historical narratives, making Reagan's perspective seem increasingly alien in modern discourse.
