@netotse
well i dont belong to your generation or the next but i've read both max's articles(thats actually wot made me join NVS sef) and i agree with anioma777 its important that my generation is aware of the past, there's this quote by George Santayana that says something like 'those that forget the past are condemned to repeat it' in our case it might not necessarily be wrt (with respect to)soldiers and coup but with leaders passing on the their lackeys and cronies, being aware makes you that much better at spotting what is really happening!
I am of average intelligence, depending on what aspect of intelligence your measuring
but I like the fact you understand the notion of not forgetting the past so as not to repeat it. I will add something extra which I think you already know. Sometimes the past even if you where not part of it, is not very nice its sad but my mother through her deeds and acts showed me that one must learn to let go and not hold grudges. It not easy but then again its not impossible.