There are more than 500 years from the 1500s, let's say roughly 500. That makes around 20 generations and about 2^20 = 1048576 ancestors. There are historical records that give you an idea what people similar to you if not your own ancestors were going about but details would be overwhelming to count and sift through. I welcome that details fade away and that we don't need to carry the whole baggage but just some bits that stayed. Things will take their natural course and whatever prominent will preserve if it's worthy.

Good point! I already write some stuff down that I never intend to read myself but hope would be of some use for future generations. It's not always easy knowing what's worth recording. And sometimes really boring stuff can be interesting 100 years from now, but you wouldn't know.