Why History?

I continue the defense of my major:

*History produces identity. It helps us understand who we are and where we came from.

*It can demolish myths that have been constructed for dangerous and self-serving purposes by groups, cultures, and nations.

*History helps us understand other peoples, how their culture developed, etc. It helps us deal effectively with other peoples.

*Understanding where we came from, how we got to the present, is important if we are to shape the future. The past affects the present and the future and if we are to shape the future, we need to know about the past. You need to know why or how something is before you can fix or change it.

*History teaches us about human nature. What man is capable of, both good and evil.

*History is fascinating. There is a sort fo thrill in finding out how your ancestors lived or being connected with the past that produced you.

Hopeful Mom and Dad feel that their money is being well spent after reading this.