issue103 [Savior小组] 第七次作业

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Issue103
"The study of history has value only to the extent that it is relevant to our daily lives."
1.学习历史能更好的知道我们今天的生活
2.与现今无关，但对未来有好处
3.与现今无关，但可以避免以后犯同样的错误

Does the study of history have value only to the extent that it is relevant to our daily lives, as the author alleges? In my point of view, I do not completely side with this statement because the author claims the view by overlooking the crucial rule of another issue and unfairly give them a second priority. Instead, not only are historical things related to our live valuable, but those seemingly irrelevant or obsolete things such as planning for futures of humans and environment also bear much significance.

To begin with, admittedly it is reasonable for us to grant value of those things that we can benefit directly from history, which provides us with inspirations to guide our daily lives as Francis Bacon said: “Histories make men wise.” For instance, from the ancient Chinese author Sun Tzu’s book “The Art of War”, today’s military commanders and even business leader gather valuable information that allows them to operate more efficiently and effectively. Thus, to study history is to look at a road map of human behavior that has led us t to where we are today in the world.

Secondly, the study of the type above of history has a value beyond the daily lives of people. It can lead to a military victor or the success of a business that directly affects what happens in the future, including the future of those that are possible not even born yet. To illustrate this point clearly, we can see another example as fellow. A researcher’s daily life may not be enhanced by the study of the history of the AIDS pathogen and every day several persons also die because of AIDS, but it could certainly bring about a profound effect on the lives of others in the future when people find a way to control and cure the disease through the unused researchful experiences from predecessors. Therefore, the study of the medical advances made throughout history can be the foundation to build upon to make the medical advances of today and tomorrow to make people live long and healthier lives.

In addition, looking back to the past to see the various effects of various human behaviors on the environment can show valuable lessons on what can happen if proper precautions are not taken in future. For instance, the nuclear accidents at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl have been studied to ensure that they do not happen again. Certainly the study of the effects of nuclear materials on humans and the environment provides value beyond that of the day-to-day life of people. The study of oil spill and its effects on the environment gives similar guidance on how to avoid or minimize the damage of an oil spill on the environment around us. In fact, the governments can constitute laws to preserve environment not only for us but for who live after us through study of these accidents. Consequently, these examples of studying history provide value far beyond its impact on the daily lives of people and help people to avoid committing same mistake in future.

To sum up, the study of history might seem to waste time if it does not affect their day-to-day lives. But people can absorb experiences of the history to make for a better future for everyone.