Issue 103

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103. The study of history has value only to the extent that it is relevant to our daily lives.

History as a mirror is used to represent a study of the past. The speaker’s statement that history is only valuable if it is relevant to our daily lives ignores the value that history has beyond the day-to-day activities of human beings.

First of all, to study history is to look at a road map of human behavior that has led us to where we are today in the world. In the study of history, we could learn from ancient people’s mistakes and avoid similar mistakes in our current lives. Additionally, we can learn from history that autocracy is unavailable in temporary society, where the sense of democracy has planted deeply in people’s minds. Especially from the case of Hitler’s failure can we see common people’s power and strong will for peace and freedom. Therefore, today any people who want to go against people’s will are fool enough and they would finally end up with failure. In history, we can see the changing process of culture and belief, and we can also find a nation’s process from prosperity to declination.


Additionally, the study of 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 longer and healthier lives. Obviously, a researcher’s daily life may not be enhanced by the study of the history of caners or AIDS, however, it would bring about great benefit to lives of others in the future if methods to cure the disease are found. To study history is not just to benefit temporary people, it is also our responsibility to leave some precious legacies to our offspring. Actually, the value of the study of history often appears long time later. Thus, it is hasty to say a study history has nothing to do with daily life is valueless without accounting for its future effect.

A further example of the value of the study of history beyond its effect on daily life is the treatment of the environment. With the development of science and technology, human being’s activities have affected the environment greatly, causing serious problems such as environmental contamination and species’ extinction. Through the study of history, we are aware of the destructions human beings have done to earth and the urgency to take measures to protect our homeland. We can also learn from the history and know what to do effectively. No doubt such kind of study of history has little relevance to our daily lives, without which we can still live our leisure lives. However, it is such an important study without which the earth will meet its end before long.

To sum up, the study of history is necessary and valuable whether it is relevant to daily lives or not. Because most studies of history lead to improvements in activities that have an effect far reaching into the future, beyond current lives.