Why is geneology important to people?

Question:

Why is geneology important to people?

I'm interested to find out why people are so concerned with where they came from as opposed to where they're going.

Is it about establishing a mystic connection with the dead?

Is it about dwelling in the past?

Additional Details

1 month ago
For what it's worth, I come from a multi-ethnic family. My mother's side came from Poland, Russia, and Romania. My father's side came from Guyana (the former British Colony).

If I took an interest in geneaology, I'd end up finding a ton of Halocaust and slavery victims.

When I say dwelling in the past, this is what I mean. I don't think I'd find anything that resembles embarrassing family 'pardon me's'... Having such a rich geneaology of pain, makes me wonder what it must have been like for those who have interesting histories over suffering and torture... hence, this is why I say dwell in the past...

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: 1 month ago
For what it's worth, I come from a multi-ethnic family. My mother's side came from Poland, Russia, and Romania. My father's side came from Guyana (the former British Colony).

If I took an interest in geneaology, I'd end up finding a ton of Halocaust and slavery victims.

When I say dwelling in the past, this is what I mean. I don't think I'd find anything that resembles embarrassing family 'pardon me's'... Having such a rich geneaology of pain, makes me wonder what it must have been like for those who have interesting histories over suffering and torture... hence, this is why I say dwell in the past...