Why Is History Important?

540 Words3 Pages
Zachary Thomas Professor David Davis US History 28 September 2013 Why do we study history? Upon reading the essay by Peter Stearns, I’ve learned much more about the importance of studying history. I’ve also thoroughly evaluated my own thoughts as to why it’s important to study history. Advocates of said study must explain why it is worth the attention provided. I believe there are many reasons aside from the cliché as to why it is important and vital to study history. Those being that it contributes to benefitting our current military strategies, helps us understand ourselves and others, and helps us better comprehend our society as it is today. The past must be understood on its own terms, in its own context. It is commonly acknowledged that an understanding of the past is fundamental to an understanding of the present. The analysis and interpretation of history provides an essential context for appraising existing institutions, politics, and cultures. Understanding the present organization of society is not the only reason to study the past. Demanding that we see the world through the eyes of others, that we develop a sense of context while recognizing complexity and ambiguity, and that we confront the record not only of human achievement but also of human failure, cruelty, and barbarity, the study of history provides us with a more textured, framework for understanding human condition with moral questions and problems. Studying past military strategies cannot give a specific military professional an exact template on how to conduct warfare, but I believe that it does offer opportunities to explore the thought processes and decisions commanders were faced with in difficult circumstances. Tactics and strategies are analyzed and continuously refined, so as to improve their effectiveness and efficacy in future conflicts. Without historical study into
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