Importance of studying history in human development
Introduction:
History as defined in the dictionaries, generally refers to a record of past events as relating to a particular people, country, time, and person which is usually written as a chronological account. Personally, I will refer to history as a database in time of a country, people or individuals. It could be either written in civilized societies or oral in evolving villages. In line with this definition, one can conveniently say that history is important in understanding ourselves, other people and above all ourselves. Suffix this to say that history is simply a memory of any culture, every people and of all mankind and its inventions.
On a scale of preference against other subjects for study, history probably ranks lowest as most people are not attracted to it. However, with a clearer view of possible benefits studying history could yield, more and more people are becoming attracted to it especially for the information it provides as well as the thought process it provokes. Here, I will attempt to enumerate and discuss the importance of history in an individual’s development.
A. Tool for understanding oneself, people and societal culture
Application of history learning offers a clear understanding of oneself based on historical facts of one’s genealogical leaning. Through history, you tend to learn how you evolved getting to know how your great grand-parents lived. You are informed of any kind of health conditions they dealt with that could be hereditary so you get to know how to prepare and equip yourself as you age. For instance, if there are medical history of asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure etc within the family lineage, you can effectively plan your live such that you do not do things that could lead to early or premature manifestation of above symptoms. Also, important information about how people and societies behave form part of knowledge only history can provide, with this, their way of life in terms of behavior, language, origin etc are understood. Hence, giving one the necessary tool to relate and live harmoniously with others. In much the same way, history harbors the evidence to analyze how societies function to successfully run their lives within the laws and rules of the land.
B. History Provides Identity and moral understanding
Since historical data comprises of evidences about how families, groups, institutions and countries emerged as they are presently known, it is then right to say that the stages of their growth can be studied and used positively solve issues of one’s origin. Experience shows that individuals with these kind of knowledge are usually in a better position to make better and informed choices regarding how they deal with family members, groups extending to countries.
History also provides a basis for personal moral questioning. Studying the stories of individuals and situations in the past allows a student of history to test his or her own moral uprightness and compare it against some of the real situations individuals have faced in difficult settings. Knowing about people who have successfully gone through turbulent times in history can provide a source of motivation or inspiration.
C. Developing to and survive face challenges
1. It helps to understand people, culture and society;
Through the study of history, an individual develops necessary skills required to become a good citizen. Informed and versatile individuals who know their roots, cultures and cultural diversities, understand the need that their society deserves development if they find themselves in position of authority. If for instance she gets elected into a political office she can only champion a reform when armed with knowledge of travails of his people which may have persisted over time. In other words, history encourages habits that are vital for responsible public behavior, irrespective of what rung of the ladder (leading or being led) one finds himself.
2. History helps to understand change;
When we consistently study history, it becomes reasonably possible to know how people, communities, nations and the world that we live in has changed over time. There is no contesting the fact that personal views of the world are moulded by each individual’s experiences and the experiences of his current city which existed prior to his birth; which only history can reliably account for. If a person fully is not fully aware of the history and cultures and nations, he cannot comprehensively understand the changes and development that society go through every now and then.
3. History breeds excellent business professionals and political leaders;
Statistics show that most people who study history do not become professional historians who may take up jobs as lecturers, work in museums and media centers or engage in other forms of history related activity. Instead most people who study history use the vast information directly as it becomes applicable to jobs in different field of endeavor. Other fields of study like law, medicine and public administration also apply historical evidence in the course of their study or practice. Generally, some employers appear to have preference for graduates of history because of the broad perspective gained from studying different phases of the past and different societies.
4. It helps to develop research skills;
History equips one with the ability to find and evaluate sources of information, identify and evaluate people’s views. The richness and depth of Work in history also improves writing and communication skills because of the large vocabulary and details encountered. This is definitely a plus where the capacity to identify, assess, and explain trends is needed.
D. Developing for innovative and critical thinking
1. The capacity to assess evidence;
As history is studied, we imbibe the skill to interpret the statements, for example of past political office holders and this skill in turn helps us to asses present aspiring political leaders and distinguish between the objective aspirant and unreliable ones as they go about campaigning. Simply put, we develop the ability to make critical arguments based on different kinds of information like public statements, private records, numerical data, visual materials both past and present.
One major area of training gained from history is learning how to identify and evaluate conflicting interpretations. Experience in being able to examine past events or conditions enables a critical sense that can be applied in a debate to assert one’s stand point.
2. Past examples of change can be dissected;
Changes as we all know do not just happen be it deliberate or otherwise. It is usually a consequence of cause or need. As the world go through a lot of changes on continuous basis, skill is required to understand it. History helps us develop the capacity to compare particular changes to related examples from the past with the present. In essence, history helps us determine for example, if one main factor such as a scientific discovery or some newly introduced government policy accounts for a particular change or whether it resulted from combined factors.
E. Conclusion
Historical study, in summary, helps to create that ever desired product, the well-informed citizen. The background facts about any country’s political institutions, its values, and problems that may affect our social well-being is gotten from the study of history. It also contributes to our capacity to use evidence, assess interpretations, and analyze change. As a people, we can only advance when we apply historical facts of our past to deal with the present and project into the future. Simply put, we change past process if it produced unwelcome outcomes. According to George Santayana, “those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Caesar was done in with a dagger from his friends, and so was Maggie Thatcher. Nothing ever changes. They just switch the names around”.