A popular opinion amongst people nowadays is that history, as a study, is becoming less relevant. The world is moving forwards, so the opinion goes, and so studying the past is actually retrogressive. Careers that are considered noble or laudable commonly have scientific leanings or at least some direct and specialized demand in the job market. These careers include medicine, law, engineering and so on. Mainstream institutions have these careers in focus when selecting the courses to be taught. The irony of all this is that when the professionals from these careers get out into the open world, they are supposed to contribute to history through their achievements. Their achievements are supposed to build up on what has already been accomplished, and surpass it. How they are supposed to surpass what they don’t know escapes reason, but this is the very requirement being imposed on every profession. History may not have direct applicability in the modern field, but it should not just be discarded. If anything, a way should be found of integrating it into every other discipline being taught. This way, professionals from all disciplines know exactly where they are coming from in their unique fields, and what areas are still yet to be covered. Clearly, history is indispensable.
Opinion about history
Within history, there is a storehouse of information about past achievements by humans. There is information about past behaviors observed in certain societies, and a way of determining how such societies are likely to evolve. History has been used to study wars, understand talent and genius, come to terms with past misadventures, and form a basis for chartering a way into the future. It has been used to assess the evolution of societies, beliefs and value systems in various regions of the world. It has also been used to trail mankind’s advances- in technology, industry, politics and global interaction, and how all these have influenced our way of life. Through history, we can get into the minds of past heroes and heroines, share their philosophies and principles, and thereby make leaps in our own advancement. We come to realize that this world is dynamic- that things have not always been this way, nor will they remain this way- that change is part of existence. Even though modern science has given rise to tremendous inventions, history has provided the most essential data in helping to understand society.
The present is a direct product of the past. It is also a necessary prerequisite for the future. The chain of dependence between the three epochs of time can not be broken. In the same vein, it is not wise to ignore the past, if the present is to be understood, and the future anticipated. History therefore helps us to grasp the cause and course of change, comprehend the reasons that lead to change, and understand those elements of a society or institution that persist despite the occurrence of change. Through such evidence, history aspires to establish the truth about past events.
Uses of history
Through the historical study of past individuals, situations and events, a student of history is exposed to real complexities that individuals in the past have endured. There are historical circumstances in which certain people weathered adversity and such people provide a lot of inspiration especially to young people as well as helping them to weigh their own moral sense. Family units, ethnic groups and even whole nations have used history to establish an identity and set themselves apart from the rest. Sometimes, dispassionately, this identity is abused, but on the main, it serves a noble goal. History has also been used in the school curricula to help the learners attain a good citizenship.
History is rich with narratives about extraordinary people. Some of them were artists; others were scientists, while others were politicians. Still others were villains, who during their heydays were glorified due to their incredible accomplishments. It’s important to note that history does not discriminate between personalities. Good and bad are equally represented in its annals. And that’s the beauty of it- that while studying it, one not only gets inspired by the noble deeds contained there, but also learns from the mistakes of past villains. This way, a historian charters a way forwards, whether in career or in personal decision, based on a balanced knowledge of the merits and demerits of his or her decisions. Through the historical study of various professions and work situations, students are exposed to the wide field of past human experience and also get prepared for specialized careers.
Conclusion
It is clear that history has a very essential role to play both at the individual level and at the society level. It gives historians an elevated platform from which they can analyze situations and interpret them from a wide background of knowledge. It becomes easier to sift through the modern miasma of information, and distill the essential lessons in every experience. Students of history graduate as well-rounded citizens- knowing fully well where they are coming from, and hence where they are going. The beauty of history can not be overstated; neither can its importance in the overall existence of humanity. For without history, humanity would be an empty concept- a groundless automaton without principles, loyalties, ambitions and drive.
Bibliography
Sterns, Peter N. Why Study History. New York: American Historical Association, 1998. Web.
Williams, Robert Chadwell. The Historian’s Toolbox: A Student’s Guide to the Theory and Craft of History. New York: M.E. Sharpe, 2007.