Stephanie Effevottu
WHY STUDY HISTORY: THE RELEVANCE OF HISTORY TO THE MODERN WORLD
“Even if you slash my throat, our brushes will not stop writing. If I die, another historian will take my place; if you kill that historian, another will take their place. Even if you kill every historian in this land and take away all the papers and brushes, you won’t be able to stop us. From mouth to mouth, teacher to student, elder to child, history will be told. That is the power of the truth- (Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung, Episode 20)”
History is indispensable. In centuries past, this statement would have seemed self-evident as ancient cultures devoted much time and effort to teaching and recording history. Although drawn from a fictional movie, the above quotation expounds on the importance of history and historical records to traditional societies. However, in modern societies, there has been a paradigm shift in the relevance attached to the study of history as historical studies. To some critics of history, man is much smarter now than he was even twenty years ago, that anything from the past is outdated and irrelevant. They prefer to define themselves in terms of where they are going rather than where they came from, believing that the past is already past and should therefore be forgotten. To some other critics, while some things about the past may prick their curiosities such as: Who were those people that existed in the past? What were they like? How did they live? they did not believe that such inquisitiveness was enough to warrant a devotion to the study of history as a full-fledged academic discipline.
As someone who actually studied and is still studying history, I am always faced with people asking me questions such as: why are you studying history? or what future does the study of history holds for you in terms of career choices or job prospects especially in a country like Nigeria where history has been relegated to the background? Against the background of these views, this article attempts to highlight some of the relevance of the study of history to the modern world. It begins by providing a brief definition of history and the various perspectives related to the study of history. The article then offers an insight into the various ways through which the study of history is/can be beneficial to the modern world. It concludes by stating some career options open to graduates of history.
The term ‘history’ holds manifold meanings, all of which are connected to the past. E.H. Carr (1961) defines history as a continuous process of interaction between the historian and his facts, and an unending dialogue between the present and the past. As an academic discipline, it refers to the study and interpretation of not only the events of the past but also their consequences. W.H. Walsh as cited by Osokoya (1996) asserts that the historian aims at a reconstruction of the past which is both intelligent and intelligible. There appears to be no end to definitions of history because many historians will respond differently when seeking to answer such a question. However, it is conceivable and necessary to identify certain features which may be described as essential characteristics of history. Some of such features include its fragmentary nature, its humanistic nature, its termination in the present, its dynamic nature, and the fact that history is factual.
The study of history holds relevance to modern societies in manifold ways, including but not limited to the following: Studying history makes students not only enthusiastic but critical readers. As students of history, you are trained to read and research extensively, critique, and accurately cite and reference sources. You also learn to ascertain various lines of arguments and biases, the styles of writers, the ranges and kinds of sources used in research works. It also equips students with the ability to think critically and make informed judgments about human situations.
Historical studies also help to offer an in-depth understanding of the world and the society in which we live, including providing us with a sense of memory and identity. The presence of historical records is what informed our knowledge of who we are, how we came to be, and how the society in which we live came about. If we have no history, we have no memory and subsequently no identity. It is through the events recorded in history that identities such as ethnicity, religion, and nationality are formed. Through the study and knowledge of history, a sense of belonging, patriotism, national pride, especially inter-group relations with others, can take root and can be used by leaders to inspire people. In this world that is constantly changing, and understanding of socio-political and economic history can serve as coping mechanisms for individuals. Through history, we get to learn about individuals, societies, and institutions that contributed both positively and negatively to national development.
History empowers us to understand the present through the light of the past, thereby serving as an important trajectory linking the past to the present and the future. In his well-known novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four , Orwell warned, “Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past” (Orwell 1949: 35). This is true because knowledge of history can shape the way we view the present and dictate the answers we offer for present challenges. If we listen to what history has to say, we can come to a sound understanding of the past in a way that can inform our present actions. Livy cited as one of the greatest historians in Roman history, asserts that the study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind; for in history you have a record of the infinite variety of human experience set out for all to see, and in that record, you can find for yourself and your country both examples and warnings; fine things to take as models, base things, rotten through and through, to avoid. Without a sense of history, our ability to relate to contemporary issues will therefore be limited. Other relevance of the study of history includes the fact that it provides unique insight into human nature and human civilization.
Although some persons may feel that a degree in history is a waste, the benefits of studying history surpass what you read in books or learn in the classroom. The study of history provides students with several transferable, critical, and analytical skills that can be put to use in a wide range of careers/fields such as archivists, curator, teacher, researcher, media and advertising sector, public sector, editor, translator, non-governmental and humanitarian sectors, to mention but a few. To conclude, although history concerns itself with knowledge about the past, it helps to build skills that are relevant in modern societies, making it one of the most versatile disciplines in the humanities.
Carr, E.H. 1961. What is history? London: Penguin Books.
Matthews, G. 2011. History: A worthwhile academic discipline. History in Action , 2(2), 1-5.
Ochefu, Y.A., and Ogbogbo, C.B.N. 2005-2016. The role of historical societies in Nigeria’s development. Afrika Zamani , 13&14, pp.73-85.
Orwell, G. 1949. Nineteen Eighty-Four . London: Seeker and Warburg.
Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung, Episode 20.
Posted by Stephanie E. Effevottu Apr 1, 2021
Posted in History Tags: Career Choices, Historian, History, History Matters, Relevance of History, Why Study History
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Great one steph!
It is true that studying history also aids in giving us a thorough awareness of the world and the community in which we reside, as well as a feeling of remembrance and identity. It would be fantastic if I could make the subject engaging for my kids since I want to fully engage them in it. Maybe I can buy an imperialism game or anything else that simulates history. They seem to really like those types of interactive games, in my opinion.
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Curious Desire
Quench Curiosity
How to Write Importance of History Essay – 2 Sample Essays
September 11, 2023 by Yusuf Ali
Essay writing about the importance of history is a common assignment among high school , college and university students. The study of history allows us to understand the past and learn from it in order to shape the future.
Writing on the importance of history essay helps to gain insight into how different aspects of the past have impacted our present-day lives. In this article, we will discuss two sample essays on the importance of history to provide you with a better understanding of how to approach this type of essay.
Table of Contents
A Step-Wise Guide on How to Write Importance of History Essay
Writing about the importance of history can be a challenging task if you don’t have the right approach. To help you get started, here is a step-wise guide on how to write an effective essay on this topic:
1. Start with an Interesting Introduction
Begin your essay by introducing the topic and providing a brief overview of what will be discussed in the essay. This will help to grab the reader’s attention and set the tone for the rest of your essay.
For writing an essay on the importance of history , you can start with the following hook statement – “History is important because it helps us to understand our present and make sense of what has gone before.”
2. Provide a Thesis Statement
A thesis statement establishes the main point or argument of your essay and acts as a roadmap throughout the paper. Make sure that your thesis statement conveys your opinion on the topic and provides an argument that is debatable.
For example, you can write a thesis statement such as, “The study of history helps to shape our future by providing us with insights into past mistakes and successes.”
3. Support Your Argument
Once you have established your argument in the essay, it is important to provide evidence to support your argument. This can be done by presenting historical facts and figures , citing experts in the field or providing examples of how history has impacted our lives today.
For example, you can cite historical figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, who used non-violent tactics to challenge the oppressive rule of British colonialists in India.
4. Conclude the Essay
Your conclusion should sum up your essay and restate your thesis statement in a different way. This will help to reiterate the main points of your argument and leave the readers with something to think about.
For example, you can conclude by saying – “In conclusion, it is evident that studying history is important as it helps us to understand our present and make better decisions for the future.”
By following the above-mentioned steps, you can easily write a comprehensive essay on the importance of history. In addition to this, you can take the help of two sample essays given below which discuss the same topic in detail.
Sample Essay 1: The Importance of History
History has always been an essential part of human life , as it has helped us understand our past and shape our future. By studying history, we can gain an understanding of different cultures, appreciate the events that have shaped our present-day lives and learn from the mistakes in order to prevent them from occurring again in the future. It is important to recognize that the past is not merely a collection of dates and events, but it also includes people’s stories, experiences, and perspectives.
The study of history helps us to understand the development of human rights , economic systems, political structures and social norms throughout time . By learning about different cultures and societies all over the world, we can acquire a better understanding of our own culture and ourselves. It is important to understand the causes and effects of major events that have happened throughout history in order to make sure that similar mistakes are not repeated in the future.
History also helps us to appreciate other cultures, religions and societies which may be different from our own. By studying different cultures, we can learn to be more tolerant and understanding of other people’s beliefs and values . This knowledge can help us in our personal interactions with others as well as when making decisions in the present day. The study of history helps us to better comprehend how civilizations rose and fell, how leaders led their people, and how certain events or discoveries changed the course of history. It provides us with a better understanding of different aspects of life, from politics, economics , science , and culture.
History also allows us to gain insight into some of the most important lessons that can be applied to our current times. For example, we have learned from past wars the devastation that can ensue from unchecked aggression and bigotry. We can use these lessons to shape our present decisions, such as choosing diplomacy over war and promoting understanding between different cultures.
Overall, history helps us to gain an appreciation for the past, understand our current situation, and plan for the future. By studying the events of past civilizations and societies, we can gain insight into our own lives and make better decisions to create a more peaceful and prosperous future. It is essential for us to learn from our mistakes in order to create a better world.
Sample Essay 2: The Importance of History
History plays an important role in our lives today. By studying the past, we are able to understand how different societies lived, how powerful leaders led their people, and how certain events or discoveries changed the course of history. It also helps us appreciate other cultures, religions and societies which may be different from our own. Additionally, history provides us with the opportunity to gain insight into some of the most important lessons that can be applied to our current times.
The study of history is essential in order to understand how civilizations rose and fell, how people lived in different societies throughout the world, and how the events of the past have shaped our present-day lives. History helps to provide context for current events and allows us to gain an understanding of different cultures, religions, and political systems. It also enables us to appreciate the perspectives of people from different backgrounds and times in history.
History also helps us learn from our mistakes in order to prevent them from occurring again in the future. By understanding why certain actions were taken or why an event happened, we can acquire a better understanding of our own culture and ourselves. We can learn more about major events that have occurred throughout history and use this knowledge to ensure similar mistakes are not made again.
The study of history gives us a better understanding of different cultures, an appreciation for major events that have shaped our lives, and an opportunity to learn from our mistakes. We can gain insight into how civilizations rose and fell, how leaders led their people, and how certain events or discoveries changed the course of history.
In addition, the study of history provides us with an opportunity to gain insight into some of the most important lessons that we can carry over to our present-day lives. We can learn from past wars and conflicts, such as the importance of diplomacy and understanding between different cultures. We can use these insights to shape our current decisions and help build a more peaceful and prosperous future.
Overall, history provides us with an appreciation for the past, an understanding of our current situation, and a chance to plan for the future. By studying the events of past civilizations and societies, we can gain insight into our own lives and make better decisions to create a more peaceful and prosperous future.
By learning from the past, we can gain a better understanding of our present and shape our future. The study of history is essential for developing an appreciation for our past, understanding different cultures, and learning valuable lessons that can be applied to our current lives. With this knowledge, we can create a more peaceful and prosperous future.
Essay writing on the importance of history is an essential skill for students. Through the study of history, we are able to appreciate different cultures, gain insight into our own lives, and learn valuable lessons that can be applied to our present-day lives.
History provides us with an understanding of the past, a better appreciation for our current situation, and an opportunity to plan for the future. By studying history, we can gain insight into our own civilization and work together to create a more peaceful and prosperous future.
Yusuf is interested in exploring the world around him and making meaningful connections with it. He then express these ideas with words for the world to enjoy. In his free time, Yusuf loves to spend time with books, nature & his family.
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