What Is History?

History is of great importance to our world and everyday lives. The knowledge of what has happened in the past is what prevents it from happening again, as long as we pay close attention. History gives us insight into our world, and how everything has come to be. The study of it can improve our lives, by learning the lessons learned in the past, without having to experience them ourselves.

History is the study of events and occurrences of the past. It is a written record of all that has taken place before our time. History is everything that has brought us to where we are today. History is full of important lessons. Throughout the years, many different things have occurred, which would most likely repeat themselves if it not paid attention to. People take the lessons of the past and learn from them, and try to then prevent the same thing from happening again. If paid attention to, the knowledge of the past can make our lives and decisions that much easier.

History is not always cut and dry. Sometimes it is hard to see who was right, or what the right side of the matter was. It can be hard to determine the real lesson from a historical event. Although a lot can be learned from studying the past, that does not mean every decision should be based on the past. The past should be taken into consideration and observed carefully, and decisions made accordingly.

The statement "Experience is to the individual what history is to all of mankind collectively," is saying that mankind can learn from history, what an individual can learn from an experience. Just as any experience would teach a single person a valuable lesson, history can teach all of mankind. There is not really a science to history. There are no ways to predict exactly what will happen or what the aftermath will be. History is life, and life is unpredictable.

As you grow up, your parents fill your mind with stories. Stories of their childhood, their mistakes, and their great accomplishments. These stories are a part of their history. Their intentions are for you to learn from their mistakes, and their achievements, and to therefore better your life. Often times, you just have to make the mistakes on your own and learn for yourself, but try and take as much as you can from others experience. History is of great importance to our lives, and without it we would not be where we are today.