| 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.
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