Studying history is pointless

BOOM! Controversial topic title right there. But i can explain. In my fairly brief time on this planet, i've come to notice that people in supposed first-world nations often believe anything they're told, all the while scoffing at the indoctrinated peasants of lesser nations. I was exactly the same for quite some time, but having lived in so many different places, i've come to realize that people all over the world, rich and poor, advanced and civilised or desolate and deprived, are told whatever the hell that country wants to tell them.

Here is an example of what i was told while a child in America, compared to what kids are told in Europe.

In America;

The great and noble george washington took up arms against the evil and oppressive British empire in the war of independence. Several huge battles were fought which the americans won decisively, at which point the limey Brits fled and the glorious nation of America was founded. The war started because those devilish Brits were oppressively taxing the poor peoples of the colonies! They also had british soldiers which could enter your home at any time and demand to be fed!

In Europe;

An act of parliament was passed which introduced taxation in the colonies. One of those was a tax on tea, of which George Washington was a trader. He didn't like having to pay tax, so kicked up a gigantic fuss and started a whole bunch of trouble all for his own ends and that of his rich buddies. British soldiers who had been sent in a tiny contingent to help protect the colonists who had started violence with the natives, were expected to be fed by the local peoples who they protected, as they were often alone and had nowhere else to go.

There were hardly any british troops sent, as britain didn't really want to fight and most of the generals declined to take part in the conflict. Britain was mostly fighting France, Spain and other european countries with vast armies and generally didn't care about America. Even the small rag-tag militias outnumbered the british troops sent to keep the peace. When the declaration of indepence was signed, a single british ship of soldiers drove Washington's forces out of Manhattan and he was sent into hiding. It wasn't until years later that Britian handed the lands over to the colonists and left in peace, out of choice.

While they were at it, they rescued around 30,000 slaves. Jolly good guys, those brits!

Both sides can argue endlessly about who is right and why. My conclusion? Studying history is pointless.

Thoughts?

I loved history. I guess from a practical point its pointless other than getting involved in preserving history, but in other ways its very meaningful.

I loved history. I guess from a practical point its pointless other than getting involved in preserving history, but in other ways its very meaningful.

Ilovegames1992

Should study the future instead

Yeah, studying history is totally useless.

"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

[QUOTE="Ilovegames1992"]

I loved history. I guess from a practical point its pointless other than getting involved in preserving history, but in other ways its very meaningful.

Ninja-Hippo

In what way was it bullsh*t

Being able to study different perspectives is one of the things that makes history fun.

Among all the bull**** I have studied, history was perhaps the most interesting thing and one of the few that actually has practical applications.

Disclaimer: both my parents are history teachers so I had access to a lot of resources.

"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

butteman12

Hey! I was going to say that. :(

I'm sure a major part of studying history is studying the debates and differing viewpoints. That's at least what we did mainly the last year I studied history. It was good stuff actually.

Also I'd contend that we don't learn **** about the American War of Independence in the UK. I didn't, at least to any considerable degree.

[QUOTE="Ninja-Hippo"][QUOTE="Ilovegames1992"]

I loved history. I guess from a practical point its pointless other than getting involved in preserving history, but in other ways its very meaningful.

Ilovegames1992

In what way was it bullsh*t

[QUOTE="Ilovegames1992"]

[QUOTE="Ninja-Hippo"] I too LOVED history, which is why i'm saddened to discover that most of everything i've ever 'learned' is bulls*it. Ninja-Hippo

In what way was it bullsh*t

What did you learn in history that was contrary to what really happened?

Voltaire has said that history is fables agreed upon, and he was right.Stavrogin_

[QUOTE="Ninja-Hippo"][QUOTE="Ilovegames1992"]

In what way was it bullsh*t

Johnny_Rock

What did you learn in history that was contrary to what really happened?

If you don't like what one side has to say then it's up to you to do further research to find out both sides of the story. For example, what Japanese textbooks explain about what happened before and during World War 2 might not completely match what is said in Chinese, Korean, Filipino, or even US textbooks.

Rather than forsaking all forms of history use the Internet and do some research especially since it didn't exist for wide public use when your parents were your age. Plus, the better educated you are the better chance you have of getting a better job after college.

[QUOTE="Ilovegames1992"]

[QUOTE="Ninja-Hippo"] I too LOVED history, which is why i'm saddened to discover that most of everything i've ever 'learned' is bulls*it. Ninja-Hippo

In what way was it bullsh*t

History is of course written by the winners as they say. But thats why we have revisionist historians.

You sir are wrong.

History tends to repeat itself. If we acknowledge what was done wrong/right in the past, we can avoid bad events in the future or improve what was done right in the past.

If you don't like what one side has to say then it's up to you to do further research to find out both sides of the story. For example, what Japanese textbooks explain about what happened before and during World War 2 might not completely match what is said in Chinese, Korean, Filipino, or even US textbooks.

Rather than forsaking all forms of history use the Internet and do some research especially since it didn't exist for wide public use when your parents were your age. Plus, the better educated you are the better chance you have of getting a better job after college.

ad1x2

Whose to say both perspectives aren't right?

I think studying only one perspective of history is pointless.

[QUOTE="Johnny_Rock"]

[QUOTE="Ninja-Hippo"] Look at the example; countries essentially make up their own history. Ninja-Hippo

What did you learn in history that was contrary to what really happened?

History is pointless and future is pointless.

live in the NOW.

Whose to say both perspectives aren't right?

I think studying only one perspective of history is pointless.

Blue-Sky

Voltaire has said that history is fables agreed upon, and he was right.Stavrogin_

You sir are wrong.

History tends to repeat itself. If we acknowledge what was done wrong/right in the past, we can avoid bad events in the future or improve what was done right in the past.

ristactionjakso

Plus, i'm talking more about high school history that is taught to kids and teenagers. Of course studying history as a real scholar or academic would be an interesting and worthwhile exercise, but the study of history in school is more like indoctrination if you ask me, and a chance for each country in the world to raise their next generation with an unbalanced view of their homeland. Ninja-Hippo

Hm i think thats a rather cynical/paranoid view. Even if that were the case, the smart person wouldnt be relying solely on learning in school. And you are not prevented from individual studying are you :)

BOOM! Controversial topic title right there. But i can explain. In my fairly brief time on this planet, i've come to notice that people in supposed first-world nations often believe anything they're told, all the while scoffing at the indoctrinated peasants of lesser nations. I was exactly the same for quite some time, but having lived in so many different places, i've come to realize that people all over the world, rich and poor, advanced and civilised or desolate and deprived, are told whatever the hell that country wants to tell them.

Here is an example of what i was told while a child in America, compared to what kids are told in Europe.

In America;

The great and noble george washington took up arms against the evil and oppressive British empire in the war of independence. Several huge battles were fought which the americans won decisively, at which point the limey Brits fled and the glorious nation of America was founded. The war started because those devilish Brits were oppressively taxing the poor peoples of the colonies! They also had british soldiers which could enter your home at any time and demand to be fed!

In Europe;

An act of parliament was passed which introduced taxation in the colonies. One of those was a tax on tea, of which George Washington was a trader. He didn't like having to pay tax, so kicked up a gigantic fuss and started a whole bunch of trouble all for his own ends and that of his rich buddies. British soldiers who had been sent in a tiny contingent to help protect the colonists who had started violence with the natives, were expected to be fed by the local peoples who they protected, as they were often alone and had nowhere else to go.

There were hardly any british troops sent, as britain didn't really want to fight and most of the generals declined to take part in the conflict. Britain was mostly fighting France, Spain and other european countries with vast armies and generally didn't care about America. Even the small rag-tag militias outnumbered the british troops sent to keep the peace. When the declaration of indepence was signed, a single british ship of soldiers drove Washington's forces out of Manhattan and he was sent into hiding. It wasn't until years later that Britian handed the lands over to the colonists and left in peace, out of choice.

While they were at it, they rescued around 30,000 slaves. Jolly good guys, those brits!

Both sides can argue endlessly about who is right and why. My conclusion? Studying history is pointless.

Thoughts?

Ninja-Hippo

Look at the example; countries essentially make up their own history.

Stavrogin_

[QUOTE="ristactionjakso"]

You sir are wrong.

History tends to repeat itself. If we acknowledge what was done wrong/right in the past, we can avoid bad events in the future or improve what was done right in the past.

Ninja-Hippo

BOOM! Controversial topic title right there. But i can explain. In my fairly brief time on this planet, i've come to notice that people in supposed first-world nations often believe anything they're told, all the while scoffing at the indoctrinated peasants of lesser nations. I was exactly the same for quite some time, but having lived in so many different places, i've come to realize that people all over the world, rich and poor, advanced and civilised or desolate and deprived, are told whatever the hell that country wants to tell them.

Here is an example of what i was told while a child in America, compared to what kids are told in Europe.

In America;

The great and noble george washington took up arms against the evil and oppressive British empire in the war of independence. Several huge battles were fought which the americans won decisively, at which point the limey Brits fled and the glorious nation of America was founded. The war started because those devilish Brits were oppressively taxing the poor peoples of the colonies! They also had british soldiers which could enter your home at any time and demand to be fed!

In Europe;

An act of parliament was passed which introduced taxation in the colonies. One of those was a tax on tea, of which George Washington was a trader. He didn't like having to pay tax, so kicked up a gigantic fuss and started a whole bunch of trouble all for his own ends and that of his rich buddies. British soldiers who had been sent in a tiny contingent to help protect the colonists who had started violence with the natives, were expected to be fed by the local peoples who they protected, as they were often alone and had nowhere else to go.

There were hardly any british troops sent, as britain didn't really want to fight and most of the generals declined to take part in the conflict. Britain was mostly fighting France, Spain and other european countries with vast armies and generally didn't care about America. Even the small rag-tag militias outnumbered the british troops sent to keep the peace. When the declaration of indepence was signed, a single british ship of soldiers drove Washington's forces out of Manhattan and he was sent into hiding. It wasn't until years later that Britian handed the lands over to the colonists and left in peace, out of choice.

While they were at it, they rescued around 30,000 slaves. Jolly good guys, those brits!

Both sides can argue endlessly about who is right and why. My conclusion? Studying history is pointless.

Thoughts?

Ninja-Hippo

Well... I'm sorry you were taught that in America. I was not taught that, something so watered down and basically wrong. Of course, "Europe's" version as you put it is kind of glorified as well. Both sides in essence from what you are describing is wrong and if that is the history generally taught, eek.

Plus, i'm talking more about high school history that is taught to kids and teenagers. Of course studying history as a real scholar or academic would be an interesting and worthwhile exercise, but the study of history in school is more like indoctrination if you ask me, and a chance for each country in the world to raise their next generation with an unbalanced view of their homeland. Ninja-Hippo

[QUOTE="Ninja-Hippo"]Plus, i'm talking more about high school history that is taught to kids and teenagers. Of course studying history as a real scholar or academic would be an interesting and worthwhile exercise, but the study of history in school is more like indoctrination if you ask me, and a chance for each country in the world to raise their next generation with an unbalanced view of their homeland. inoperativeRS

[QUOTE="inoperativeRS"][QUOTE="Ninja-Hippo"]Plus, i'm talking more about high school history that is taught to kids and teenagers. Of course studying history as a real scholar or academic would be an interesting and worthwhile exercise, but the study of history in school is more like indoctrination if you ask me, and a chance for each country in the world to raise their next generation with an unbalanced view of their homeland. DeX2010

Going to school is pointless. What I learnt is different from what my parents learnt and it's different from what my grandparents learnt. Everything changes, what we are learning on science today might be a lie tomorrow. The world keeps evolving and so does science/math and everything else.

[QUOTE="Stavrogin_"] Look at the example; countries essentially make up their own history.

HoolaHoopMan

[QUOTE="Ninja-Hippo"]Plus, i'm talking more about high school history that is taught to kids and teenagers. Of course studying history as a real scholar or academic would be an interesting and worthwhile exercise, but the study of history in school is more like indoctrination if you ask me, and a chance for each country in the world to raise their next generation with an unbalanced view of their homeland. Ilovegames1992

Hm i think thats a rather cynical/paranoid view. Even if that were the case, the smart person wouldnt be relying solely on learning in school. And you are not prevented from individual studying are you :)

Studying history is useful for needling other countries. For example, you Britons wouldn't be able to study history at all if we hadn't saved your asses in the war. fidosim

so and why is it that??? In hitler germany people could learn the history and so in the western European occupied territories.

[QUOTE="Ilovegames1992"]

[QUOTE="Ninja-Hippo"]Plus, i'm talking more about high school history that is taught to kids and teenagers. Of course studying history as a real scholar or academic would be an interesting and worthwhile exercise, but the study of history in school is more like indoctrination if you ask me, and a chance for each country in the world to raise their next generation with an unbalanced view of their homeland. stanleycup98

Hm i think thats a rather cynical/paranoid view. Even if that were the case, the smart person wouldnt be relying solely on learning in school. And you are not prevented from individual studying are you :)

See i was taught certain viewpoints. But that was elementary school and middle school, very basic. Once you reach high school, the period the OP refers too, it becomes good, thats the same with pretty much any subject.

Studying history (in the US edumacation system) is pointless.Ninja-Hippo