The author’s purpose in this chapter is to “construct a theory of ontogenetic development of historical consciousness.” He begins with a story of two clans in Scotland and their fight for sovereignty and the rights to a castle. In the end a young man, having been saved from certain death by the opposing family, writes that they shall always have refuge at the castle should any danger befall them. He uses the story to illustrate how narrative competence, in its various forms, is important for moral consciousness. There are four principal possibilities to face: binding obligation; general principle; historical arguments; and modern considerations. Through these four choices, he demonstrates the need for historical consciousness to understand moral reasoning and values. He provides a definition of historical consciousness including its four different types: traditional, exemplary, critical, and genetic. The chapter concludes with a discussion of historical learning.