House of European History : interactions : centuries of commerce, combat and creation : temporary exhibition catalogue

'Interactions: centuries of commerce, combat and creation', the first temporary exhibition at the House of European History, focuses on a topic of profound importance - how our identity is shaped. We all come into the world with our unique genetic heritage and we are all socialised by where we live, both locally and nationally. We are also influenced by the generation we belong to, as well as by the different roles we play in our families and societies. Yet despite this framework, our identity is actually most shaped by the encounters we have with the 'Other': this might be anything from geographical and climatic conditions to the pace of life, eating habits, legal systems, speed of talking, driving behaviour or prejudices. In other words, our identity is most shaped by encounters with people with whom we share neither a common origin nor common learning processes. This inaugural exhibition examines these encounters with the 'Other'. However, it is intended simply as a starting point and a source of inspiration; it would be impossible, in any medium, to encompass the full diversity of our encounters with the European Other and with our neighbours in other continents. Instead, this exhibition aims to inspire reflection and comparison between the world we live in and the world of our ancestors. If it achieves this, it will have accomplished something.