Is it important to learn history?

[Daffodil]

We were talking on this thread about whether everyone needs to know history. I say no. What do you think?

Wait, let me qualify that question a bit. Almost everyone picks up a general familiarity with a lot of major historical events from conversation, books, movies, etc. Is that enough, or is it important to study the subject more systematically or in greater depth?

Can anyone think of a specific situation where you used your knowledge of history? I mean, beyond solving a crossword puzzle or understanding a historical reference in a novel. Has it ever helped you make a decision or accomplish some goal?

[carmel23]

I've found that in my life it helps to be a friend of history. It helps in understanding ideas, literature, and humanity. It orients me in my culture.

It just seems so rootless and kind of inhuman to disregard history.

What a sad thought.

History is absolutely important.

[mz_libbie22]

Originally Posted by Daffodil

We were talking on this thread about whether everyone needs to know history. I say no. What do you think?

Wait, let me qualify that question a bit. Almost everyone picks up a general familiarity with a lot of major historical events from conversation, books, movies, etc. Is that enough, or is it important to study the subject more systematically or in greater depth?

Can anyone think of a specific situation where you used your knowledge of history? I mean, beyond solving a crossword puzzle or understanding a historical reference in a novel. Has it ever helped you make a decision or accomplish some goal?

I use history to evaluate current events, to understand what brought us to this point and what needs to be done to get us in a better direction, which in turn helps me decide who I want to support in the '08 election.

People also use history to defend parenting choices. There is historical precedence for attachment parenting. The very reason that people call it a "natural" choice is because it is believed to be the way children were raised by our ancestors.

By studying history I discovered what educational method I wanted for my DS (classical).

By studying women's history I have a completely different view of myself and my place in the world. That obviously affects all kinds of choices.

Studying the history of agriculture has guided my choices about my own diet.

Studying the history of how boys have been raised in different societies has helped guide my own parenting philosophy.


History helps me make sense of WHY we're here to begin with. I don't have a religious belief, so I use it to try to find answers to the big questions. I also don't have much for family and I think studying history is a way to meet that instinctual need for a connection to those that came before me.

I also totally believe the old saying that if you don't learn from history, you're doomed to repeat it.

[Mongoose]

I vote yes...it is important, but i must tend to bathtime, and cant go further than to say I vote yes!

[lauracd]

I would say it is not only important it is imperative.

[mz_libbie22]

[QUOTE=Daffodil;10284193] Almost everyone picks up a general familiarity with a lot of major historical events from conversation, books, movies, etc. Is that enough, or is it important to study the subject more systematically or in greater depth?

QUOTE]


I don't think it's absolutely necessary for every person to learn history systematically. Most people would benefit from a systematic approach simply because it's the least confusing. However people that are passionate in their studying will work through the confusion and be just fine. I do think in depth study is very very important. People tend to read one book about something and call it done. History requires reading many many different sources because every writer has a different point of view. You're not going to pick up a book and "learn" what was the number one cause of WW1, it's not that easy. Studying history requires huge amounts of critical thinking and logic. I think when a society has a shallow level of understanding, which is what you have in the US today, it leads to a wide variety of negative consequences for the society. The main one being corruptness among the leaders and apathy among the voters.

[UUMom]

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[Dillpicklechip]

The more I learn of world history, the deeper perspective I gain on events today. Really, everything has happened before. There isn't much new under the sun.

I feel strongly that everyone should learn at least an overview of history--not only their own country's history or their own culture's history, but the history of the whole world. It gives a person so much more understanding of the world, of current events and issues, of themselves, of other cultures.

In my opinion learning history is essential to a complete education. No, you may not "use" it in your job or even in your daily life, but there is so much more to being a human being on this planet than that.

[elizawill]

Originally Posted by lauracd

I would say it is not only important it is imperative.

wow - ITA!

i think there are different levels of knowledge and interests regarding history of course....but there are imo fundamentals of history that are very very very important.

[Lillian J]

I find the question isn't even something I can relate to - whether everyone "needs" to know history is almost beside the point, the point being that history is part of us, part of everything... And fascinating, to say the least - one of the more fascinating things imaginable. Although, if you're asking whether we think everyone needs to study a dry and packaged set of facts about history, that's a whole different thing, and I think a whole lot of people who've been subjected to that are proof that it's pretty futile and meaningless.
-Lillian

[Wolfmeis]

History is unimaginably important. Had you asked this question about the mechanics of language, or whether one should learn to play the piano or even the value of algebra in our daily lives, I'd answer you differently. But history?

Some of the OPs have put it very well.

A knowledge of even the briefest of histories-- such as the origins of organized, compulsory public education in the United States (it's so very recent!)-- helps us in our daily lives to defend our practice of home education. If you don't understand where we come from, you cannot adequately orient yourself in your culture. Specifically when you make choices that appear to be counter that culture, you need to be able to know who and what you are in the stream of time.

A knowledge of history gives us a knowledge of our true rights and responsibilities, not only as citizens of our countries, but as citizens of the world. Perspective is garnered only when you can look around yourself and recognize that which has gone before. Knowing what has passed, and how that worked for the people who lived it then, is crucial in making the decisions that will effect our tomorrows.

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
--George Santayana

[Oh the Irony]

History, when it is taught well, is not about names, dates, famous white men or battles. You can look that up if you need to know.

It teaches you how to analyze information from different perspectives and sources. It teaches you how to think and how to understand. To see what complex factors are involved in why we are the way we are today.

I think it depends upon what your needs are, what you plan to do and what you enjoy.

[famousmockngbrd]

What else is there, besides history? History is what people have done. People did things, and history occured. How can you learn anything, without learning history?

Now, if by history you mean rote memorization of facts, then no I don't think people should learn that. I doubt anyone thinks they should. But it's so important to know what happened here before we arrived. We are a tiny blip on the timeline. We need a context.

[moominmamma]

Originally Posted by Lillian J

I find the question isn't even something I can relate to - whether everyone "needs" to know history is almost beside the point, the point being that history is part of us, part of everything...

I totally agree. I don't relate to questions like "are there certain things everyone should learn?" because usually they're things that children like mine, who are living rich unschooled lives led forth by their own curiosity and within the flow of community life, can't help but learn.

I mean, sure, let's accept for the sake of argument that there are essential bits of education -- but the reason those bits are essential is because they're necessary to understanding and interacting with the real world, and unschoolers just naturally get that stuff because they're out there, living enthusiastically in that real world.

Miranda

[UnschoolnMa]

Originally Posted by Lillian J

I find the question isn't even something I can relate to - whether everyone "needs" to know history is almost beside the point, the point being that history is part of us, part of everything...

Yeah, that. History, like many things, just *is*. How interesting, important, valuable, or relevant it is to an individual is going to vary widely though, and that's what matters. The idea that everyone just "needs" it isn't really my bag.

A few years back my Dd came across some references to the Rev war. She wanted/needed more info and she got it. My Ds did not necessarily need or want the same information, but he was around to see and hear us finding and discussing so he got a lot of that info anyway. I have no idea if he retained any specific details, but it was fun and interesting at the time.

I was recently interested in some details about the Depression so I researched it and read a little bit about it. Prior to this I have never found myself in need of that information.

[Potty Diva]

I'll have to agree in saying that history is very important. It's important to our culture, our society and to ourselves. History is living and breathing. Me make it constantly. Do dismiss history is dismissing life.

[UUMom]

I think it gets dicey if we start saying that each and every person needs to know a particular set of something...who determines what that is?

I love history. I hope my children care about it. I worry when people make certain decisions based on not knowing...knowing can matter in voting. But I can't get behind every person knowing what I think they should know. Then someone else may tell me how important, um, scrapbooking is....and how it will harm my children if I don't glue memories on archival, acid free -paper...or something...and then I would have to hurt them.

[elizawill]

Originally Posted by UUMom

I think it gets dicey if we start saying that each and every person needs to know a particular set of something...who determines what that is?

"each and every person" on the planet. agreed. but people living in certain countries or areas that are "capable" of knowing certain things - well imo should. i mean....perception is a beautiful free thinking vehicle for each individual - so how we interpret historical events should always be up for debate and discussion.... but UUmom, don't you think there are certain things in history that people really should understand? i can see your point with the "who should decide what's important" statement..... but i really think there are some aspects of history where there is an overall consensus of what is and should be important....especially acts of injustice. don't you think??? or no?? ha ha, i'm certain you will tell me!

.

[UUMom]

Originally Posted by elizawill

"each and every person" on the planet. agreed. but people living in certain countries or areas that are "capable" of knowing certain things - well imo should. i mean....perception is a beautiful free thinking vehicle for each individual - so how we interpret historical events should always be up for debate and discussion.... but UUmom, don't you think there are certain things in history that people really should understand? i can see your point with the "who should decide what's important" statement..... but i really think there are some aspects of history where there is an overall consensus of what is and should be important....especially acts of injustice. don't you think??? or no?? ha ha, i'm certain you will tell me!

.

Have we had this conversation before? Because I just got the creepiest feeling of deja vu. Really creepy. Not that you're creepy lol...but reading this this. I'm spooked. I do think certain things are important. I really, really do. I just don't know if we can determine what knowing is important for individuals.

But I do think history is important... I hope it feels important to my children. I love history. Always have.

[Jenivere]

I can't imagine not learning it, I love history. It is an integral part of my life.