issue120 【红尘笑看沧桑】互改小组第六次作业 by woshisuper

woshisuperUID: 2737087

120"So much is new and complex today that looking back for an understanding of the past provides little guidance for living in the present."

The speaker asserts that studying history can offer few contributions to our new and complex society today because the world of the past is significantly different from the one in the present. However, I still don’t know how the speaker makes a conclusion like that after scrutiny for several times. I disagree with his claim for there are some practical reasons that cannot support his argument.

To begin with, to study history is to study the origin and the essential of human beings. By understanding behaviors and societies of our ancestors, we will find the research fruits relevant to the analyses of the people and societies presently. Philosophers concluded their new theory of nature; biologists understand the evolvements of creatures; psychologists and medical researchers comprehended the thinking and brains of human beings all by using the result of history studying. Scientists benefit a lot from the history.

Secondly, understanding the experience and lessons of famous persons or famous events in history process will provides much guidance for not only in the scientific research but also in our daily lives. Some successful CEOs of big companies gain profits in the business by taking advantage of the strategies in ancient war today. Moreover, general persons get wisdoms from their ancestors and use these pieces of knowledge in their daily lives. History likes a mirror that reflects what people have done in the past. After looking into the mirror they will make a fewer mistake and be better.

Finally, the measure of studying history can also give us some inspirations and enlightenments. Ray Huang wrote his book “a year of no significance the Ming Dynasty” in a new perspective which he called “macro concept of history”. It has been a revolutionary point of view and changed the antique idea that we should place more attention on the details of history. Ray Huang told us that we were wrong and we should also consider about the entire process and keep a balance between the detail and the entire. If we want to fulfill our goals, why not take advantage of this new measure?

To sum up, admittedly most historic events are taking place in the past which is centuries-old. However, the value of history will not be decreased along with the time passing on. The other way round, it provides a lot of contribution to the society and people today.