|
To state that
the study of history is only valuable if it is relevant
to our daily lives is to ignore the value that history has
beyond the day-to-day activities of human beings. It would
seem to be a rather shallow statement that implies that
humans only live just to survive rather than planning for
the futures of their children and the environment.
First
of all, to study history is to look at a road map of human
behavior that has led us to where we are today in the world.
For example, the lessons learned during all of the past
wars can make for more effective wartime leadership by avoiding
mistakes made by past commanders. From the ancient Chinese
author Sun Tzu's book "The Art of War", today's
military commanders and even business leaders gather valuable
information that allows them to operate more efficiently
and effectively. The study of this type of history has a
value beyond the daily lives of people. It can lead to a
military victory or the success of a business that directly
affects what happens in the future, including the futures
of those that are possibly not even born yet.
Another
example is that by studying history, parents can help to
improve the lives of their children in the future. Lessons
learned by generations of their ancestors before them could
help show them the way to properly raise a child. What worked
for others can give guidance to the parents of today and
tomorrow to make sure that children are prepared for their
own futures beyond their daily lives.
Additionally,
the study of medical advances made throughout history can
be the foundation to build upon to make the medical advances
of today and tomorrow to make people live longer and healthier
lives. A researcher's daily life may not be enhanced by
the study of the history of the AIDS pathogen, but it could
certainly bring about a profound effect on the lives of
others in the future if ways to control and cure the disease
are found. The study of previous research over history has
led to many amazing medical discoveries. To study history
only to enrich one's daily life would here again seem to
be incongruous with the truth.
A
further example of the value of the study of history beyond
its effect on daily life is the treatment of the environment
and the earth as a whole. Looking back to the past to see
the various effects of various human behaviors on the environment
can show valuable lessons on what can happen if proper precautions
are not taken. The nuclear accidents at Three Mile Island
and Chernobyl have been studied to ensure that they do not
happen again. Certainly the study of the effects of nuclear
materials on humans and the environment provides value beyond
that of the day-to-day life of people. The study of oil
spills and their effects on the environment gives similar
guidance on how to avoid or at least minimize the damage
of an oil spill on the environment. The study of the disintegration
of the ozone layer over the poles of the earth has given
birth to new laws and regulations on certain chemicals that
help to preserve this valuable part of our atmosphere. All
of these examples of studying history provide value far
beyond its impact on the daily lives of people.
To
be certain, there are people out there that believe that
only what affects them right here and right now is important.
For them, the study of history might seem to be a waste
of time if it does not affect their day-to-day lives. But
for countless other individuals and groups, the study of
history leads to improvements in activities that have an
effect reaching far into the future, beyond their daily
lives. The futures of mankind and the environment depend
on these types of people who have enough foresight to study
history to make for a better future for everyone.
(690 words)
|
