This semester I was tasked to answer the overarching question of why study history? After months of pondering and with the aid of Dr. Fea's book I finally have an answer.
Dr. Fea's book Why Study History Reflecting on the importance of the past can be found on Goodreads, amazon, and more. Just click the link to order now. https://www.amazon.com/Why-Study-History-Reflecting-Importance-ebook/dp/B00EVSB3QM#customerReviews
What's the point?
“History reminds us of the inherent weakness in the human condition and the very real possibility that our fellow human beings are capable of horrendous things. This should humble us, for “there but for the grace of God, go I.”
― John Fea, Why Study History?: Reflecting on the Importance of the Past
Studying history will develop understanding and empathy within us for other human beings. It allows us to engage in conversations and ideas we may not personally agree with. Knowledge of history helps to put together this bigger picture of why the world is the way it is, why people act the way they do, and what we can do to be better. It's more of a comprehensive way of thinking. The studying of the past and then also applying it to the present shows the maturity in your intelligence as a human being. In a way, it parallels to the maturity process that happens during the transition period from being a teen to becoming an adulthood. We use the advice and lessons (often from their own mistakes) our parents or parental figures taught us as children to help us make better choices for the future.
How is this relevant to today?
As our society has progressed over time, we have gotten further and further from the past, and haven't been the best at remembering everything with 100% accuracy. Why is this? This happens when schools don't require reading artifacts and first hand accounts of history. As a U.S. citizen I didn't read my country's Declaration of Independence and Constitution in depth until my freshman year in college. If you don't read all of the artifact it's true meaning and intent can get lost in translation. You can see this problem frequently when people talk politics. I've listened to countless people beat down policies and politicians by using the Constitution out of context. Part of the context that is most often forgotten is the time period. The Constitution was written in the year 1776, post a long bloody war, by wealthy men. When interpreting the constitution you must keep in mind the founder's thought process. This is most often demonstrated by the Supreme Court, who's sole job is to reach a verdict through interpretation of the Constitution alone. They have't always hit the money on the verdict, but sole interpretation was what they were designed to do.
Where to start?
So where do we start with all this? There is so much of history to cover and we don't have all the time in the world. My best advice is start in what interests you. If you are interested in politics, read the history of the foundation of different nations, the history of propaganda & political parties. If you are interested in business read up on Steve Jobs, Nicola Tesla, Elon Musk, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, and many others. My interest is European history, so I read books about the Tudors and Royal family, the crusades, and foundation of the United Kingdom.
If reading is not your forte that is completely ok! There are plenty of Youtube videos, audiobooks, documentaries, and podcasts to get you started. I highly discourage watch period drama's such as The Crown or The Tudors (both found on Netflix) for your reference of historical fact. These are dramatizations of past events, although some historical stories don't need Hollywood's help to be dramatic. That being said, make sure you always vary your research style between reading, watching, and listening.
The studying of the past and then also applying it to the present shows the maturity in your intelligence as a human being.
Keli Ganey: Why Chose to Study History?
Wrapping It Up.
I find it funny how often humans don't realize that they are repeating themselves. If only there was a way that we could learn from our past mistakes. Oh wait, there is! By studying history we will be able to create a better society. A better society looks like a place that is more accepting and aware of the world and its flaws. No nation is a perfect nation and no people group has been a perfect example for society. We are all flawed, but it's not impossible to educate yourself and improve.
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