I hope you’ve had a chance to see one of the host of 9-11 memorials, retrospectives, and history shows that have been featured this week on nearly every network and cable station, including the History Channel, National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channels, and all of the news stations.
In case you’re looking to be inspired while you’re gaining some historical knowledge, you might consider “Lawrence of Arabia: The Battle for the Arab World,” showing tonight at 10 p.m. on PBS.
“Lawrence” is a historical figure who served as a British officer and who ended up helping the Arabs who were fighting against the Ottoman Empire. Especially after President Bush’s speech and whatever news talk follows that, anyone interested in real history and real inspiration can learn from the story of a man who made real choices in real time, showing a kind of courageousness and valor that is still being talked about nearly a century later. It may not be must-see TV, but it’s better than most of the alternatives tonight.