Why We Should Study History: More Than Just Dates and Dead People

I was contemplating, as I usually do, time and history. People, places, events, thoughts of the past, and things yet to come. I was thinking about these things as I was cleaning out a room and found my grad school notebooks. I pulled out my notes and reading assignments from the first class I took on historical research methods. In there, I found an article I had read called "Why Study History?" by Peter N. Stearns and felt the need to explore and share this subject with you. This also begins a series of blogs on history and historiography – the writing of history.

History often invokes images of dusty textbooks, long lectures, and a series of dates and names to memorize. But is that all there is to history? Far from it. Delving into the past is not just about understanding events that happened long ago; it's about understanding ourselves, our societies, and the world we live in today. What Stearns wrote about why history should be studied resonates with me—some of the insights he provides I list below.

History Offers Perspective on the Present

We live in the present, plan for the future, and often forget the past. But understanding the past is crucial to making sense of the present. For Stearns, history provides a "storehouse of information about how people and societies behave." By studying historical events, patterns, and decisions, we gain insights into societal behaviors, political dynamics, and personal choices. History serves as a mirror, reflecting the actions and consequences of previous generations, allowing us to learn and adapt.

History is a Journey of Moral Contemplation

History is replete with stories of triumphs, failures, wars, peace, revolutions, and evolutions. Each level carries with it moral lessons. By studying the choices made by individuals and societies, we can test our moral compass. We learn about courage from those who stood up against oppression, understand the importance of peace from the devastations of war, and appreciate the value of unity from tales of divided societies. History is not just about what happened; it's about understanding the choices that led to those events and the lessons they impart.

Photo by Unseen Histories on Unsplash

History Shapes Our Identity

Every individual, community, and nation has a history. This history shapes identities, values, and beliefs. Stearns writes that history "helps provide identity." By understanding where we come from, the struggles faced by our ancestors, and the milestones achieved, we gain a sense of belonging and purpose—our past acts as a foundation upon which our present and future aspirations are built.

Photo by Chang Duong on Unsplash

History is Beautiful

Beyond facts and figures, history is a tapestry of human stories, emotions, decisions, and discoveries. It's about people who dared to dream, societies that evolved, cultures that merged, and ideas that revolutionized the world. The "pastness of the past," as Stearns describes, offers a unique beauty and excitement. It's a testament to human resilience, innovation, and the eternal quest for knowledge.

History Equips Us for the Future

One of the most practical reasons to study history is its relevance to our future. By understanding the causes and effects of past events, we are better equipped to make informed decisions. History teaches us critical thinking, the ability to analyze complex situations, and the skill to discern patterns. These are invaluable tools in a world that is increasingly interconnected and complex.

History is not just a subject; it's a dialogue with the past. It's a conversation that helps us understand who we are, where we come from, and where we might be headed. Studying history allows us to access the "laboratory of human experience." So, the next time you come across a historical fact, event, or figure, remember that you're not just learning about the past; you're connecting with it, drawing lessons from it, and preparing for a better future.

The next entries will explore historiography and Greek historiography in particular.