Why Studying History Is More Relevant Than You Think

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 What do you think of when I say the word, History? Does it bring to mind memories of dry textbooks, endless dates, and pop quizzes about battles you barely understood?  If it does, you are not the only one.  However, history isn’t just about memorizing who did what in the 1700s or the sequence of ancient empires. It’s about understanding the world we live in today and figuring out how we got here. And, believe it or not, it can be pretty fun—if you give it a chance.

Have you ever wondered why certain countries are allies, while others seem perpetually at odds? Or why cities are built where they are? Or even why people celebrate holidays the way they do? History holds these answers. It’s like the ultimate backstory for everything around you and by digging into the past, you start seeing the threads that connect historical events to modern-day issues. That’s how you begin to understand the "why" behind the "what."

Another thing I have heard from students is that history is boring. Wrong! It's packed with drama better than any Hulu, Prime or Netflix show!  Think of your favorite TV drama and how it has twists and turns. Well, history’s got betrayals, love stories, epic battles, and moments of sheer brilliance that make any screenplay pale in comparison. Think about Cleopatra, who was not only a queen but a political mastermind with a life more dramatic than any reality show.

History isn’t boring; it’s just been marketed wrong.

One of the coolest parts about studying history is how it connects everything—art, science, politics, philosophy, and even food. Want to know how the spice trade influenced global economies? Or how Renaissance art was shaped by political power plays? History ties it all together in one giant, fascinating web.

Here are some tips for Making History Fun !

If you’re ready to dive into history but aren’t sure where to start, here are three tips:

1. Start with what interests you: Love architecture? Look into the history of iconic buildings. Into fashion? Research trends through the ages.

2. Visit museums or historical sites: Seeing artifacts or walking where history happened is a game-changer.

3. Follow history blogs and podcasts: There are tons of creators making history accessible and fun.

Why does it matter? That's an excellent question! It matters because history isn't just about the past. It helps us to understand how everything- from ancient civilizations to the news of today- shapes the past and our future.  The more we understand where we’ve been, the better we can navigate where we’re going. So the next time someone rolls their eyes at the idea of studying history, remind them: it’s not just about what happened. It’s about what it means for all of us, here and now.

Location: Greenville, NC, USA

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