History is full of people making mistakes and bad choices. Sometimes those mistakes were small, with little consequence. Others, however, meant the death or suffering of thousands or even millions of people. One of the main reasons to study history is to make sure we as individuals and a society don't make these same mistakes again. You may have heard the famous quote, "Those Who Do Not Learn From History Are Doomed To Repeat It."

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

• How do we avoid corruption and tyranny in our government & society?

• What historical laws, policies, or actions have ended with terrible consequences?

• How can we identify the warning signs of ideas and actions that lead to evil or wrongdoing?

In the same way that we can learn from past mistakes, we can also study and learn from the successes of the past. There are many men, women, and groups of people who have done great things and made choices that positively influenced their world. We can examine why and how these people were successful. Then, we can follow their example to produce positive change in our world today.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

• How do we create positive change in government & society?

• What are the most effective ways to protest and see change?

• How can we follow the example of those we respect and admire in history to better our lives?

Studying history can help us to understand where we came from as a nation, groups, families, or individuals. Investigating your own history can help you better understand who you are, where you came from, and how you have developed as a person. Whether looking at our history as a nation or an individual, the past often says a lot about who we are culturally, ethnically, religiously, politically, and morally.

• Where do I come from and why does that matter?

• What principles and ideas have shaped me who I am as a person?

• What are the values that define us as a nation?

While we can use visuals (paintings, photographs, etc.) to study history, much of it is based on written records. That means a lot of reading. It's been proven that reading makes you smarter. It also helps develop your imagination, focus, and concentration. Many jobs require a lot of reading, so those who are strong readers tend to be successful in those careers. You will use reading in everyday life, from contracts, news, and magazines, to reading your kids books before bedtime.

After we analyze and investigate history, we write down our findings and evidence. Writing is an essential part of taking what you've learned about history and making claims and arguments. Writing is also an essential part of everyday life. Growing as a writer helps you communicate more effectively through the written word and to be a more articulate person in general. Many jobs will require you to frequently write professional emails, reports, or keep detailed records.

HISTORY HELPS US BECOME BETTER COMMUNICATORS