It is quite true that there is no immediate monetary benefit by studying history. This is true about many other subjects also. But the usefulness of any field of knowledge can never be judged on monetary basis. More than the material benefits, human values that the study of history creates is important. The study of history is useful in many ways as follows:
1. The study of world history helps u
s to know the past. We can know the contributions of our ancestors of the past in shaping the present. We owe much to our forefathers for what we are today. By knowing our past, we can know ourselves better. When we know ourselves better we understand others also better. Thus, history teacher us the art of living together.
2. The study of world history broadens our outlook. It removes narrow minuteness, prejudices and breaks racial and national barriers. This would finally lead to a more happier and pleasant world.
3. We can learn lessons from the mistakes of the past. History is like the memory of society. A person without memory has no meaningful existence.
4. The study of world history helps us to understand the present practices, traditions, customs or elaborations.Many customs and practices of today have got interesting historical background. They become meaningful only when we know how they originated.
5. The study of world history makes us noble.
6. History makes us hopeful of future. History teaches us that what was not possible yesterday, has become possible today. In the same way, what is not possible today, may be possibIe tomorrow. Thus, the study of history makes us very hopeful of future.
7. The study of history gives us entertainment. It is a very good pastime. History is full of interesting anecdotes, events and thrilling stories. Sorne events are more thrilling than imaginary stories. There are hundreds of such events in history. So studying history is very interesting.
8. We can have a comparative study of positive and negative factors of different cultures. This study helps us to judge ourselves, It broadens our outlook. It removes our narrow mindedness. Thus, the study of world history is necessary for a happy, cultured and peaceful life.
