History: The Heart and Soul of Society

Every discipline faces the question of why is it studied. But, some are more apparent than others. For instance, the point of studying medicine and engineering is obvious. We need heart surgeons and we need clean water. But, other disciplines, like history, require more of an inquiry because the point is not as obvious.

History is a fundamental subject required from grade school to post-secondary education, but so is math. But, the point of studying math is as obvious as the point of studying medicine. Most people use math in their daily lives, whether it be to make change, or to balance their checkbook. However, most people do not use history in their daily lives. The knowledge of who the first president of the United States was is not a required skill that assists in everyday tasks. So then, why is studying history important?

There are several advantages that the study of history brings. The first that comes to mind is that history teaches us to learn from our mistakes. History also helps us understand people and societies, whether it be of own or outside of our own. Also, history helps us learn how we might develop in the future.

When we study history we study the events of the past. We see that these events happened for X reason. And, then we see the outcome of said event. Was it successful? Was it deadly? Whatever the case, we see the consequences and are ultimately the result of those events and their consequences. We learn what historical choices and events worked best or worst for human kind. We essential learn from our mistakes or at least we should. Having historical study gives us the best opportunity to learn from our past.

When we learn about American History, we learn about our nation’s past. When we learn about World History, we learn about our nation’s past connections to other people and societies. We also learn about people and societies we are less connected with. The study of history helps give understanding to ourselves and to those around us. It helps to give understanding to societies we would otherwise know nothing about. Historical study gives us roots. Historical study gives us a greater global connection to one another. It weaves us into one fabric. Without the study of history our links would be weak. With the study of history our bonds are strong.

It also attributes to a personal understanding of how we are individually tied to history. We, as individuals, are the sum of a vast range of past experience and are the players in the development of historical change. The study of history helps to lead to a greater personal awareness. It also leads to a greater grasp of each individual’s place in the grand scheme of the human narrative.

Moreover, when we can compare histories of our own society and those of others, and see that we have a shared common experience, we create deeper bonds with one another. History helps us to comprehend that we are one in the same. It further bonds us with our world-family.

Knowing the development of several past societies and being able to identify a trend among them may be essential in predicting future developments of current societies. History affords us this. If we can understand the trend of past societies, of their successes and failures, we may be able to apply those trends to today’s people, securing a more successful future. Accordingly, the study of history gives us the advantage of learning from our mistakes, understanding and connecting with ourselves and others, and helps to ensure a more successful future.

But, that is not all. Studying history also gives one a greater ability to conduct analytical research, to interpret historical data, and form their own interpretations of such materials. It aids in development of critical thinking. It helps to establish good and informed citizenship by providing perspective making a better-rounded individual. It helps give one a sense of identity, whether it be personal, familial, communal, societal, or global identity. And it helps to contribute to better moral understanding by learning how leaders of our past have worked through moral dilemmas.

In short, history is as fundamental as math. It works in ways that are less obvious, but essential to our personal and societal development and success. It is a discipline of enlightened society. Without history we would not be able to build on the accomplishments of the past. We would be less inclined to help our brethren, less in-touch with ourselves, less aware.

With the advancement and promotion of STEM education, disciplines of the Humanities have suffered a large loss of students. While STEM education is the way of the future, and is the brains of our advancing society, we cannot forget to take along our society’s heart and soul, Humanities education.

Bibliography:

“Four Reasons Everyone Should Study History ' Life & Letters Magazine.” Life Letters Magazine. Accessed January 22, 2020. https://lifeandletters.la.utexas.edu/2018/07/four-reasons- everyone-should-study-history/.

Sturtevant, Paul B. “History Is Not a Useless Major: Fighting Myths with Data.” Home. AHA, April 1, 2017. https://www.historians.org/publications-and-directories/perspectives-on-history/april- 2017/history-is-not-a-useless-major-fighting-myths-with-data.

“Why Study History? (1998): AHA.” Why Study History? (1998) | AHA. Accessed January 22, 2020. https://www.historians.org/about-aha-and-membership/aha-history-and-archives/historical archives/why-study-history-(1998).

“Why Study History?: AHA.” Why Study History? | AHA. Accessed January 22, 2020. https://www.historians.org/teaching-and-learning/why-study-history.