The sharing and understanding of history is so important because it is the very essence of what we are. Centuries ago this statement would have seemed self-evident. Ancient cultures devoted much time and effort to teaching their history. Modern society, however, has turned its back on the past. We live in a time of rapid change,or instant results. We prefer to define ourselves in terms of where we are going, not where we come from. We are under the stigma that they lived in times so different from our own that they are incapable of shedding light on our experiences.

According to the dictionary, history is the study of past events, more specifically connected to human affairs. Academically, history is an umbrella term that encompasses so many fields of study.History is an important and interesting field of study because it grounds each and every one of us in our roots. Ethnic, national, and cultural identity are all very real things, and studying the history of home countries, and related regions can give us a deeper, more meaningful glimpse into our ancestral pasts, and how we got to where we are today. History is a continuous documentation of our past, including great triumphs and grave mistakes.By examining chains of events, and how one small occurrence can spark countless, invaluable incidents or one devastatingly large one, we understand the nature of change.Only by having a firm grasp on history can we tackle the kinds of political or social reform that we want to see happen. If we don’t understand the long, sprawling history behind the issues we are fighting for or against, then how can anyone expect to have a leg up against their political opponent?
Finally, history is important because it is a long, nearly endless collection of stories, lessons, and philosophies to learn. There is bound to be something meaningful in history for everyone, whether that be a source of identity, a feeling of hope or inspiration. So, like Michael Chricton once said, “If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree. ”