The past is in the past, and maybe it is fascinating, but why should we study it? Surely we are studying for the future?

If you need some convincing then check out the list below. These are some my personal favourite reasons for studying history.

1. History helps us understand the world today.
Simple put, the past helps us understand the present. Understanding and grappling with complex questions and dilemmas through examining the past reveals how global, national, and local relationships between societies and people have been shaped. 

2. Helps develop crucial skills
The study of history teaches us such crucial skills as critical reasoning; clear and persuasive writing; and effective public speaking. Teachers, professors, lawyers, politicians, film makers, authors and researchers are just a few examples of careers that require these skills.

3. Everything has a history
Everything we do, everything we use and everything else we study is the product of a complex set of causes, ideas, and practices.

4. History repeats itself
Well so the saying goes. History helps us predict the future and can help us avoid repeating past mistakes.

5. History inspires us
The past is full of brilliant people such as Graham Bell, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth I and Marie Curie. They are just a few of the characters that inspire us today, and not only with the things they did, but also the way they persevered and went on to achieve against all sorts of odds.

History is like no other subject and it will tell you tales which will leave you awestruck. Starting from science to literature to engineering, it all started from the past and it all was made because of great people.