Why History? Uncovering the Importance of Studying History (Part 2)

Why should we care and study history?

In the previous post, I wrote that you are, or inevitably will be, a part of history. Now I ask, why should we care and even study history? I did a Google search for answers. (Transparency, folks. While I have my own responses, I acknowledge that individuals who have dedicated their lives to studying history may provide more insightful answers.) 

Two approaches to answering these questions are given.

Approach #1: Stanford history department says ...

History is more than just facts and events. It's a way of thinking about and understanding the world.

Studying history develops crucial skills:

• Understanding different perspectives

• Making sense of unfamiliar concepts

• Empathizing with people from different times and cultures

Thus, the Stanford history department (1) asserts that in developing skills gleaned from a thorough examination of history, we are better equipped to navigate both the past and the present.

Approach #2: Brillantio article says ...

1. Value of History:

• Provide context for past, present, and future events

• Help interpret events accurately within their time period

• Involve rigorous research and fact-checking

2. Role in Society:

• Develop informed citizens vital for democracy

• Preserve collective memory through museums, monuments, etc.

• Promote understanding of cultural and religious diversity

3. Learning from Historical Events:

• Wars and conflicts (e.g., World War II) teach about human nature

• Significant milestones (e.g., Emancipation Proclamation) shape societal norms

4. Personal and Collective Histories:

• Connect individual experiences to broader narratives

• Warn against the dangers of historical amnesia

The Brillantio article (2) stresses that history is not just about memorizing facts, but about developing critical thinking skills, understanding societal trends, and shaping our future based on lessons from the past.

Conclusions

The question of “why should we care and study history?” can be answered as follows:

• It makes one smarter because it fosters the development of critical thinking skills, which are essential for all aspects of life.

• It provides insight into past mistakes, offering a chance to avoid repeating them in the future.

Not repeating bone-headed mistakes that rob us of wealth, productivity, and joy is the over-arching, grand hope. If anything, a little self-reflection on one's life is needed, for me especially, to assess if one is heading on an appropriate path.

Citations

1.      Stanford history department answer: https://history.stanford.edu/academics/why-study-history

2.      Brilliantio’s answer: https://brilliantio.com/why-history-matters/