History Wiki:About

From History Wiki

The history Wikia is composed of historical data. All and any history may be included. Users are encouraged to contribute based on their knowledge on a subject.

[edit] What really is history? How should it be studied?

History is not only the study of the past. It is also the study of human beings and the mistakes they make. Of all things, history is the study of the best and worst of the human spirit. We see the great civilizations that are created, what ideals people aspire to, the beautiful art that graces our eyes, and the literature that compells us. We also see great destruction of cities, what horrible intolerant beliefs people adhere to, and how we at times destroy each other with no need whatsoever.

I'm sure that everyone will answer the question of why history should be studied easily. So we don't make the same mistakes. So we don't repeat the past. But if it's that easy why do we keep repeating it? Why did Hitler attempt to conquer Russia during the winter, when Napoleon tried that and failed? Why do we keep embracing evil regimes and continue to court ideals of human destruction? I suppose that it is a historian's job to give knowledge to others. Most people don't realize that their decisions have a long term effect. Most people only think in the short term. But everyone has to realize that we have seen the worst of human society. Time and again we have seen it. From slavery to the Holocaust to Rwanda. We have seen human beings destroy each other for petty things.

A historian should be able to enlighten society and guide it away from its worst and bring it to its best. Knowledge is the key!