issue103 by ilovegouding 8.4 第十六次

ilovegoudingUID: 2503269

题目：ISSUE 103 - "The study of history has value only to the extent that it is relevant to our daily lives."
字数：646          用时：0:43:05          日期：2008-8-4

The history is to the human race what memory is to an individual. Just as one can acquire from his or her memory a deep understanding of his or her present, certain inspiration and courage, and lessons and experience for better guidance for future, all human being are able to apprehend better what is happening on the world today, be inspired and emboldened as well as taught lessons by studying history. Therefore, the study of history is of great significance to us, whether or not it is relevant to our daily lives.

In the first place, history demonstrates its value by imparting us past events and knowledge and thereby enabling us to understand more profoundly the complex, multi-faceted, and sometimes confusing world. For instance, the U.S. is a nation famous for its people with a characteristic of unconventionality and creativity. The root secret of this unique ethnic trait can only be understood by those who have knowledge about American history, in which a group of Europeans, who were tired of factional conflicts, wars, and decadent lifestyles of the Europe Continent, came, in spite of the long distance and high risks to the American Continent with an attempt to establish a brand new country which is totally different from European countries in terms of not only political system but also value system and life style. With the passing of time, this heritage of pursuing new and different things and ideas does not fade away but thrive in this land and becomes their unique national quality. Another example in point is that whatever academic field one engages in, at the beginning of entering an area, a fresh person is always required to take some rudiment courses which introduce the history of origins and developments of the subject. Only in this way can the beginner have an idea where he is standing now and what he should do so as to further promote the advancements in the realm.

History can also afford inspiration and courage to everyone who studies the stories of heroes or heroines having appeared in its process.  For instance, history learners, when they read about the feats and adventures of those great explorers in the past, might be so filled with admiration that they made their own determination to engage in exploration of the earth, or outer space, or some other secrets which remain mysterious to humans. Even if one is not inclined to devote himself into such careers, he or she can be braver to face the difficulties or adversity in their own life when they were upheld by the courage or firm beliefs gained through learning the history of great persons of the past. In fact, in this sense, in spite of its seeming irrelevance to our everyday life, history serves as guidance by affecting every choice, decision, or determination we make on a daily basis.

In addition, we can learn from history our ancestors' lessons of failure or experiences of success so that we are able to avoid repeating their faults and follow their beneficial methods. An example that aptly illustrates this point is the philosophical idea of "Heaven and men are one" originated in Chinese ancient times. By studying this attitude towards the world around us, we can more fundamentally realize that humans must co-exist with the nature in harmony in order to gain progress and we can more firmly stick to the "sustainable development" that promises us a brighter future. On the other hand, inflictions of life and property damage caused by wars in the past can serves as a reminder to those who love peace that mankind should avoid any military confrontations but seek mutual understanding through peaceful talks and negotiations.

History is no dumb. It can inform, enlighten, guide and inspire, in an invisible way that functions on a daily basis. By studying history, each individual can understand more today's world, thereby pursuing a better life.