A few weeks ago, I was sitting in my History of Science class when our professor asked us to define history and then asked for volunteers to read their definition. The first few responses were standard answers about history being the events of the world, etc. Then came the sarcastic responses about history being written by the victors and history having no practical use for today. I am a history major and I started rattling my saber, but I decided to wait until I'd calmed down and then respond.
I had received a similar response from my roommate earlier last semester. He had scoffed at my history aspirations and said we did no work and made no money.
I don't care about the money because I love history. I read it constantly and have devoted my life'well, a sizeable chunk of my life'to its study.
Saying I do no work is simply false. No, I do not sit at my desk and work on five math problems for two days until I come up with the one and only correct answer, but I do sit there and read books. I read lots of books. I read books and then I write papers'lots of papers. I've written on why the Swede Oxenstiern was a better administrator than Cardinal Richelieu and also on the way that American public opinion influences the outcome of our wars. It appears that the current war and situation at home is confirming my conclusion.
After reading the books, we must make a conclusion and support and defend it. There is not always a set conclusion for us. There is not a predetermined answer that we must find using laws; it is an independent process, and I enjoy it.
Many say history has no practical use today. Really? I am currently reading a book by Randall Robinson called \The Debt."" It is about what America owes to blacks and what needs to happen in order for there to be equality in America. You know what Robinson says would be infinitely helpful to changing the current social situation in America? Some history lessons. This will not solve everything, but history provided meaning and a sense of belonging to people.
History records what our ancestors did, which can make us proud. I am a Swede and am very proud of my Swedish heritage, but I would not be able to be proud if I did not know what being a Swede meant and what the Swedish contribution to the world is and has been.
Robinson realizes this and advocates for, in addition to financial reparations, a demand for the teaching of African history so that blacks may know where they come from and who they are representing. If history has no practical use today, then a major civil rights leader would not consider it a major component in social change.
History has a multitude of uses other than these few cited and I would love to attack some other statements made about history. History is just as important and useful as any other area of study. Just because it is different does not make it any less important or any less useful. History waits for people to delve into it and reveal its secrets and patiently writes down what is happening in the world, and provides meaning to your life.
You need history.
