Whether we realize it or not, we all have theories about history that shape our perspectives. Those theories can be based on half-remembered high school classes, pop culture like Saving Private Ryan or Game of Thrones, or a deliberate study of historical events and causes. The study of history is important because it provides us with a map for understanding how people change and why those changes happen, which in turn helps us to predict future trends in politics, culture, and economics.
Most of the knowledge we have about the past is in written form. Historians distinguish between primary sources—records that are directly written by eyewitnesses, such as a journal or diary—and secondary sources. Secondary sources include the writings of historians and other authors, such as textbooks or biographies. Primary sources have a stronger connection to the time period in which they were written. Using primary sources helps students understand that, even when a recorded event seems objective, there is always a bias, a point of view or worldview that creates the record.
Historians have developed technical skills that help them sort through the biases and points of view in written records from the past. These include learning how to interpret historical documents and how to recognize different types of primary sources. A good historian is able to identify a biased source and know how to correct the distortions in it.
Another skill that a well-trained student of history develops is the ability to understand how to judge the reliability of any source, no matter its form or origin. It is easy to get bogged down in tiny details in a reading, which makes it difficult to retain the information you need to pass a test or write an essay. It is important to focus on big-picture events and concepts and only remember the tiny details when they relate to the larger topic.
One final reason to study history is the insight it offers into human nature. Humans are complicated and it can be difficult to figure out why they do what they do. Studying history reveals that people are influenced by the times they live in and their ancestry. Understanding this can help explain why some behaviors seem consistent while others appear to be a mixture of random chance and a product of the era.
If you are interested in learning more about the past, you can enroll in an online degree program from University of the People, a tuition-free, U.S. accredited university that teaches students how to analyze historical data and make informed decisions. This unique approach to education can transform the way you see the world and empower you as a citizen, a student, and a person overall. Learn more today!