November 3, 2012
Professor Thomas Keyser
*Explain why it is both necessary and helpful to study the context of prior history, especially the experiences of the participants in that history, in order to understand what is valued by these participants. Also, what resources will be most helpful to me as a student of history?*
It is both necessary and helpful to study the context of prior history because it reveals who we are in relation to other people, cultures, and countries. Examining the history of different participants’ experiences gives a much clearer picture of their viewpoint, feelings, and opinions about the certain timeframe.
Studying history influences how we look at other races and their culture. There is a saying “If we don’t know from where we came, we can’t know where we are going”. How very true that continues to be. Imagine not knowing anything about history. Imagine there is no documentation of any historic event or person. How completely impossible would it be to a) avoid past mistakes, and b) know nothing of those who came before us and all of their struggles and successes. We need to study history so we may make informed decisions on very important current events and issues (i.e. the presidential elections).
If you think about it, we study history in order to carry on your family values and even religious preferences, civil unrest, unfair trade, terrorism, and our independence. Fighting for independence has, and still is, one of the biggest reasons there have been wars.
There are many great leaders and participants in history that will be remembered forever for their ability to stand strong for what they believed in no matter if it was right or wrong, their mindsets for pushing through the turmoil no matter what are good lessons to learn from them. You can see from their stories how they dealt with each situation they encountered and the results of their actions.
I feel the resources that will be most...