by Tamera Coble

Created on: February 23, 2010

Why is it so important to study history? 

People have a natural need to know where they came from. History is much more than the study of events that happened in the past. It is a useful tool and is essential to individuals and society and contributes to moral understanding. History should be studied because it helps people understand change and how people’s societies today come to be. It provides a window into the past that provides and understanding of the present day.

History helps people understand past people and societies. Understanding why people did the things they did in the past is a difficult thing to do but it is made easier through history. The past causes the present and the future. Anytime someone tries to understand why things are the way they are, they must look at the events that happened in the past. It helps people to not make the same mistakes their ancestors of the past made. 

Through studying history, people can grasp how things change, comprehend the factors that cause change, and what elements of an institution or a society continue to go on, despite change. History provides identity  to people and good citizenship.

Another reason history should be studied is because it can be used in everyday life. History is everywhere around us. It is often seen on the news. Also, it is seen  in traditions and holidays like Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, Valentines Day, Easter, and the Fourth of July. History is also useful in many professions such as, politics, architecture, art, theater, science, writing, law, medicine and the media. 

The purpose of studying history is more than to present facts but to search for interpretations into the past. Historians  attempt to find patterns and establish meaning through the study of documents and artifacts left by people of other times and  places. History is more than just memorizing dates, names and events. It requires an understanding of the past through they eyes of the people who lived through it. Also, studying the values and beliefs of the time. It is about understanding all of the people who were involved including, men, women, children and slaves. 

If you have an understanding of history, you will have a better understanding of your people and the world you live in. It helps people feel more compassion for those people involved in conflicts around the world. It gives a person critical thinking skills to help them make good, informed decisions. And it opens people up to cultures around the world and people can learn to value and appreciate one another. One last reason to study history, because its fun! 

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