Why do genealogy ??

I have been following a number of discussions and question across my social media sites during my quality Covid-time; and, this question often comes up:

Why do genealogy? Genealogy is frustrating.

For many, this is a very serious conundrum. I certainly can remember my early frustrations…

Today, I have a response to those observations/ questions. I have been at ‘this game’ for more than 20 years. I have inherited brick walls (real brick walls) some that stood the test of 40 years worth of ‘unsuccessful’ work ‘breaching’. In many cases, I have breached the abyss.

But the real question is: what insights have I gained?

Let me begin by saying, I will share what I have learned; but, it may directly not apply to you. What you discover may be different; or, you may ultimately throw up your hands and simply walk away.

The following represent some of what I have unearthed:

Genealogy & Family History are often a lonely endeavor. This work may never be appreciated by your siblings, families, or relatives. You must find your own satisfaction and solace.
Whether my work is appreciated, valued, or not, I always feel honored to be entrusted with it. (Even if I’m the guy who did the entrusting.) I personally hold this true for both for myself and the clients I am fortunate enough to help.
I respect the lives of those who preceded me; all of them. I try very hard not to apply my personal values to their situations. I see them as people doing their best to make it through their challenges. And yes, sometimes I wish they had made different choices.
I always try to keep the following in mind. I am here because of them. I am a thread from their existence.
I am not better than they were. More importantly, I have no right to judge them. I simply try to understand what they may have done and why.
I treat them as I would have my legacy be treated- with an inquisitive and caring mind. I try to be gentle, kind, and understanding, even when not agreeing.
The effort is almost always immense. It is rarely easy. This is especially true for my Prussian, German, Holocaust and Polish research efforts. My US & Canadian research is ‘easier’; do not confuse that with being easy. It is simply easier.

Where has this work brought me? What understanding have I gained?

I know better what happened in the world before I arrived.
I can honestly say I have disabused myself of much family lore and replaced that lore with a history more well grounded on data.
Those who now people the lands where my family lived (for hundreds of years) are every bit as wonderful, caring, and deserving of respect as anyone who could be on those lands today. (My friends in Elbląg know who I mean.)

But most importantly, I have learned that the following quotes from Helen Keller and Rabbit are true:

“It’s always useful to know where a friend-and-relation is, whether you want him or whether you don’t.” Rabbit, Pooh’s Little Instruction Book (Winnie the Pooh)
“There is no king who has not had a slave among his ancestors, and no slave who has not had a king among his.”, Helen Keller