Why do you think having a historical perspective when addressing issues and problems in the modern world is important? I hear a lot of people say that history doesn’t really matter and aside from the trite “those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it,” I never know what to say in response.

carakalikimaka asked: Why do you think having a historical perspective when addressing issues and problems in the modern world is important? I hear a lot of people say that history doesn't really matter and aside from the trite "those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it," I never know what to say in response.

History is not just a neverending cycle people are trying to escape. History also can inform our decisions about what to do now and in the future. In fact, it is the only thing we have to base decisions on. In economics, models are based on what the market did before. In politics, politicians use the same selling techniques and personalities as have worked before. In fashion, designers reuse and repurpose interesting cuts and fabrics that were previously popular. History is our best guide for future endeavors. Even skills as basic as not touching a hot stove are acquired from our personal history — touching other hot things, getting burned, and knowing that stoves are hot. In summation, knowing history is vital for every decision anyone ever makes. The farther back you can correctly connect to your situation, the more likely it is you will make the right decision on a question harder than whether or not to touch the stovetop.