BECOMING A HISTORIAN: SIX REWARDING FACTS OF STUDYING HISTORY

Shakespeare finds history in all men’s lives. Keynes believed that ideas shape the course of history. Heinlein warns that ignoring history deprives a generation of its past and future. History is the world’s collective memory and a recollection of events that affected us. Some students enjoyed the topics in school and remembered the dates with interest; however, most of them considered it necessary to pass the exams. Read on to find about six rewarding facts to become a historian.

Who would study a subject that’s filled with names and dates about long-dead people? History is the story of our species. A nation that forgets its origination often makes the same mistakes. History helps us develop a comprehensive understanding of the world. Thus, people who love the concept of exploring the struggles and legacy of the ancients opt for this profession. While you decide on your career, give this piece of information a thorough read. 

Why should one become a historian?

1. Monetary compensation: 

Granted, a career in history isn’t lavish, but historians still make more than $60k annually. The job outlook is 3%, so there are employment opportunities for students. You can also work in related professions such as education or philosophy.

2. Flexibility and variety: 

You can get yourself a flexible work schedule as a historian. However, you need to get independently employed for that. But there’s still a diverse list of options. You can work in universities, museums, and even government agencies.

3. Curiosity and interest: 

History is an exciting subject to read. It’s like watching the entire history of humankind unfold right before you. The mystery of history makes our inner detective climb out to investigate. It’s fun for those who can appreciate our past.

4. Career development: 

With increased oral/written presentation skills, you can hope to become a published author. There’s always a margin of new research in the field of history. You can use your literary expertise to develop a successful career as a historian.

Six reasons to study history

1. History helps us understand the world:

The job of a historian is to develop a deep understanding of the world existing today. He/she knows how our time/world is different. If you become a historian, it will help you to understand why there are wars and conflicts in the world. We learn to understand and embrace diversity. History makes us appreciate other cultures and traditions. We realize that the dominance of a particular civilization isn’t necessarily permanent.

2. History inspires us:

The stories of ancient people’s accomplishments inspire us. History tells us about revolutions that overthrew tyrannical monarchies and movements that demanded justice for humanity. The mere knowledge of how people suffered to make this world a better place is a reminder for us all. People’s heroic acts that changed the course of history motivate us all to do our best. A single passage from a history book can make children realize the importance of diligence.

3. History teaches us the value of identity:

What is a nation but a collection of stories that are probably fiction! 

What is tradition, but the set of rituals from ancient days! 

But history tells us how traditions have influenced the process of nation-building by giving people a sense of identity. People are always curious about their ancestries and family histories. It gives them a feeling of individuality. Children learn about the identity of their country and are motivated to become better citizens.

4. History helps us learn from our past:

When we study history, we find out what ancient people did wrong. We learn from their mistakes and pledge never to repeat them. Individual experiences of a person shape his/her worldview. The national experiences of a country influence the public perspective. So, history allows us to study the world from different viewpoints. We also learn that our present-day decisions shall affect our future generations. Hence, we create a better world for our children to inherit.

5. History prepares us for the future:

History is capable of shaping our future. It prepares us to face the world by giving us an understanding of the past and present. We read how ancient people worked hard to achieve the world we’re living in right now. It challenges our intellect and motivates us to analyze information for interpretation. Students who fail in history are least likely to complete a degree in any educational institution. History is essential to succeed academically.

6. History allows critical analysis:

History possesses controversies and contradictions. There is conflicting information regarding multiple word events and assessments of these happenings too. Was the bombing of the two Japanese cities justified? You’d get conflicting answers from IR experts and political scientists. History tells us not to accept everything we read but to have a critical attitude towards information. Bring the reliability of information into question before acceptance.

7. History enriches us with information:

In the end, history’s a reflection of today’s existing world. We’ve already explained above that you need to be appreciative of our past to study it. Who doesn’t like trivia? It’s hilarious and also very easy to remember. You can use this information to widen your perspective. The more information we collect, the wiser we become. Gathering general historical knowledge makes you a better communicator. Research work is fundamental to become a good content writer.

Conclusion

History isn’t just a record of famous people and their actions. It’s the story of the human species, our accomplishments, and our mistakes. If studied correctly, one finds roughly every science engulfed within the singular framework of history. It allows us to explore newer and better possibilities for our nations and countries. Lessons derived from history reshape our past and influence our future. It helps us understand people and societies. The American Historical Association believes that we study history to enter the laboratory of human experiences. Historians understand the vital philosophy that drives human actions and motivates our decisions.