Why should we study history?

why should we study history


The details of works of the great people, important events and occurrences, the rise and fall of nations, the information about prophets, saints, reformers, warriors and great generals of the past, all add up to make history. If a person in some family gets high rank in learning, becomes a great scientist or earns fame as brave solider, the other members of the family, consciously or unconsciously, try to follow him. No matter whether Peron lives in present or is a tale of past. Whenever he is recalled, he comes before us as a fact, as an example to be followed. We inspire our children giving examples of his achievements in life. Actually, we are impressed by history. This is one of the sole aims to study history. 
No nation can achieve its glory and a respectable place a in the world unless being well aware of its existing history. The progress, prosperity and power of affecting world’s politics need a complete awareness about past. Individuals, as well as nations, if plan to correct the state and condition of their present deteriorating plight, they must look into their past mistakes, blunders, and follies. If Pakistan’s young generation do not know about the causes and reasons of separation of West Pakistan, how they will be able to save the rest of their country. Pakistan’s attaining nuclear power is the result of this thinking. China’s wonderful progress is the outcome of their acquaintance with their history. The nations who did not learn from history became a lesson for the others. The leading politicians must have good knowledge about the world history. They have to steer the nation through thick and thin, they have to make decisions pertaining to the destiny of the nation. They have to be well aware of the mistakes of the past to acquire a respectable and glorious place among the world community. The generals, whether it is war or peace, must remain in close connection with history, so that they might be able to do the best in the light of past, in their current circumstances. The great figures not only affect their own era but the ages after them. An individual can have an excellent chance to extract the tips to uplift his life, to get the nobleness of mind, to have a good character.
The history can also serve as a tool to satisfy the curiosity of men having wandering minds. When we move around in this world, we come across the wonderful objects attracting us. A sense of curiosity arouses and forces us to know about them. The pyramids of Egypt, the remains of the Babylon and Nineveh’s civilizations are a great question mark for our minds and intellect. Here history comes forward with satisfactory answers. The grandeur of their art and skill, the height of their learnings, the honesty of their minds, the devotion of their hearts and the hard work of their laborers can only be revealed by the sources of history. No need to go far, the Mughal Monuments in the sub-content invite for the study of history to have their complete knowledge. 
History can also be used to preach the mankind. The Noble Quran describes the past nations living in full prosperity enjoying their lives in good conditions. The power and skill of these nations was matchless. They were given special gifts of God but when they went astray, God made them meet their unfortunate and tragic fate. They have become the signs to get wisdom and to make firm resolute not to disobey God.  
Successful nations never forget their heroes, their great politicians, the versatile artists, the immortal actors, the great musicians with their evergreen melodious symphonies. They pay them tribute and consider them a precious asset. They hand their memories over to their coming generations. Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Mahatma Gandhi in sub-continent, Atta Turk in Turkey, Nelson Mandela in South Africa were not only history makers but had become a revering history for their people.      
The importance of learning history can also be gauged by the fact that people attain knowledge of good moral values from it. Every religion of the world, whether it is worldly or divine, puts forward an embodiment to get inspiration. Confucius for Chinese is the source of religious and moral instructions; Gautama Buddha is the light of faith for his followers and Hindus look towards Ramchanderji for their religious matters. History maintains the record of their sayings and maxims. The Muslim historians have preserved complete life of their Prophet in the form of the most authentic books containing his revered sayings. Whenever needed, they take guidance from their history.
The scholars of history have great analytic power and guide the people. The base of all our learning relies upon the knowledge of history. History is not mere interesting incidents. The tales of kings and queens are a way to illuminate our minds. It provides guarantee for strengthening roots of society. It arouses the urge of struggling more and more for country and nation. The people having this knowledge receive reverence and respect everywhere.

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