[i习作temp] Issue103——历史价值之于现实生活。有拍必回，谢谢~ [复制链接]

figuechen
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发表于 2010-7-27 14:45:17 |显示全部楼层

TOPIC: ISSUE103 - "The study of history has value only to the extent that it is relevant to our daily lives."
WORDS: 612 TIME: 00:45:00 DATE: 2010-7-27 9:28:28

TS：无论是否与我们的生活有关，历史都有价值。
提纲：
1. 与我们生活有关时，历史很有价值。
1.1 历史可以让我们避免犯重复错误。
1.2 历史故事可以教育下一代一些美德。
2. 当与我们生活无关时，历史还是有其价值。
2.1 从历史中可以看透人性。
2.2 学习历史能增加文化认同感
2.3 学习历史能自娱自乐

不知道1.2这点是否“与我们的生活有关”。我的考虑是：只要能直接带来某些启示的，都应该算作有关。不过我没把这个定义加上去，不清楚大家是怎么看这个问题的。希望各路高手指点，谢谢！

This is nowhere more utilitarian than the assertion that the study of history is of certain value only when it is related to our daily lives. Admittedly, history is useful when it can be applied to real circumstances. However, the glamour of history lies in the insightful perspective of human nature, which may not have direct correlation with our daily lives but is of significant importance.
Foremost, when it comes to daily lives, the history is of great value for the reason that it acts as a guide and counselor. Italian philosopher Machiavelli has once said that "Whoever wants to foresee the future must consult the past". The saying is used to point out the similarities between past and future. Initially, the events occurred in history could have direct influence on the decisions nowadays. Take environmental issues for example, during the industrial revolution, many factories which release harmful chemicals into the air and water turned up everywhere in western countries. In this way, pollution is serious in industrial countries like Britain. It costs these countries much more money to recover the fragile environment. This example gives a warning to those countries that have an eager desire to develop industry. In some developing countries, strict regulations have been enacted to ensure that environment will not be affected by the increasing demands for industry. As a result, those countries will avoid damaging the environment. What's more, some of the stories in history can be used to educate our children to develop their moral judgments. For instance, story about Lincoln who walked four miles back to return six cents were told in order to leave our children an impression about honesty. Another example is that the story concerning Joan of Arc best illustrates what courage is about, and therefore it is often quoted to teach our children. Those virtues which are everywhere in our daily lives could be vividly presented by these tales and stories, and that is one of the reasons why the study of history is for.
However, we should not lose sight of the fact that the study of history also contains values even if it is irrelevant to our daily lives. The most important reason is that the study of history can reveal the human nature, which leads to insightful view about this world. For thousands of years, human nature such as lust and the pursuit of freedom and justice remains. For instance, although the study of Trojan War which took place thousands of years ago does not directly influence our daily lives, the story of Trojan War mirrors the lust for beauty. Deep down we could generalize that it is lusts and desires which are indispensable parts of human nature that leads to crimes and wars. The study of history will guide you to the path towards the full understanding of human nature, which helps you to become a wiser person. Besides, other functions of history cannot be neglected. For example, the study of genealogy will enrich my gratitude towards my family. Similarly, the study of history about our motherland will enhance our cultural identity. Finally, the study of history is a fun itself. We can amuse ourselves by the legends about heroes hundreds of years ago. It is a kind of relaxation to reduce stresses in our lives.
As Bacon pointed out "History makes a man wise", history not only teaches us with examples but also indicates human nature. We should not hold a utilitarian view towards history. Whether it is relevant to our daily lives or not, the history is like a beacon in the dark sea. It enlightens our wisdom and steers us towards a brighter future.