"Since history has no properly scientific value, its only purpose is educative. And if historians neglect to educate the public, if they fail to interest it intelligently in the past, then all their historical learning is valueless except in so far as it educates themselves." G. M. Trevelyan.
Historians do not perform heart transplants, improve highway design, or arrest criminals. In a society that quite correctly expects education to serve useful purposes, the functions of history can seem more difficult to define than those of engineering or medicine. History is in fact very useful, actually indispensable, but the products of historical study are less tangible, sometimes less immediate, than those that stem from some other disciplines.
Peter Stearns
What are your thoughts on the above quotes?
Trevelyan makes an interesting point. As historians we have a responsibility to educate the others in society that may or may not have a direct interest in history. If we choose to be selfish with our knowledge we are in fact doing an injustice to society. We must use what we have learnt in order to broaden the horizons of individuals who are ignorant of the value of history.
ReplyDeleteHistory may not appear to have the same importance as the other disciplines in society but it is just as significant. One may argue that people who study medicine can help to heal the sick, men in the construction field can build an entire structure that houses thousands, but what can historians do? Stearns emphasises that we may not be able to immediately measure the value of history but it by no means should be neglected. Our history teaches us different cultures and events that have impacted on the lives of millions all over the world. Surely these factors should and cannot be ignored.
Sometimes we may ask ourselves what exactly is history? Most times we think about something that has happened in the past. Isn't that informative ? Yes, therefore we see that History is educative. If not for history how would we know: who we are, where we came from, and answer other important questions like (why, when, how, who). History explains almost everything.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Historians may not seem as important as inventors, doctors and lawyers. Just think if inventors invent, doctors heal, lawyers defend, don't they need history to reflect on the past to improve the future ? I think of Historians as the people in the shadows/background, they discover/unfold the past yet still they don't receive enough credit for their work.
Finally history is a very integral part of our lives, it can be coted even in the Bible, where it says in Genesis 1 "In the beginning". How could we move forward without understand our past. Without history we would be longing something more.
Both quotes are true to some extent; History is based on theories made by man, it may seem of no use to the grater extent of the population as opposed to other careers which most individuals would tend to think is of grater importance. But truth an in fact History plays an essential role in our lives,besides about knowing our cultures and other cultures which may exist,it is with the work of Historians that we are better able to make wiser decisions now, learning from the mistakes made in the past by our "ancestors".
ReplyDeleteSo although Historians may be taken for granted by most people, they deserve credit for their work because without them the knowledge we have of the events which took place in the past would not exist.
G. M. Trevelyan's quote in my opinion is very valid; because I believe the study of history helps us understand where we came from and what made us who we are. We could use this knowledge to help ourselves in a positive way. If this knowledge is not passed on to others from our historians then it defeats the purpose of knowing it and is indeed valueless except in so far as it educates themselves.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion Peter Stearns is also valid, in the sense that the study of history does not produce immediate results as other disciplines such as the study of medicine where you become a medical doctor and may save lives or the study of engineering where you could design easier ways of transport, the results of these can be seen by everyone. History should not be classed as less important because of these factors. The study of history is useful in all disciplines in my view because it showed us what our ancestors did so we could proceed in a forward direction and not make the same mistakes no matter what discipline we may be involved in.
G.M.Trevelyan's quote is a very profound one since it is quite true that it is the responsibility of historians to educate the society on past events, so that we can be informed and made aware of what took place before our lives came into being and the effects,influences and benefits that events imposed on people,places and society as a whole. Historians ought to be eager to provide details of historical events since they would be relaying valuable information about the changes that occured in society and the impact it had on the culture of a particular society and how it may impact or influence our present lives.
ReplyDeleteHistorians record events that occured as well as the manner in which it happened,thereby allowing us to learn from what has happened and giving us a sense of direction for the future.From the historical data we can now utilize the new found information and charter a way forward after taking into deep consideration the lessons if any, to be learned.
If historians were to keep this information to themselves they would indeed be doing a great injustice to society since they would be short changing us on what affected our society and culture years before.
If history has no proper scientific value, and its purpose is to educate, then why should historians keep that information to themselves.Since it is quite true that it is the responsibility of historians to educate the society on past events, so that we can be informed and made us aware of what took place before and what they have done so that we can be here and the effects, influences and benefits of them.. If this knowledge is not passed on to others from our historians then it neglect the purpose of knowing what had happened and is valueless except in so far as it educates them.
ReplyDeleteNot necessarily historical accuracy. But then, how do we determine historical accuracy? How do we learn to make one person's word over another? how can you determine who is accurate and who is not.
Mr. Peter Stearns quote is quite true in that history is imperative for increasing knowledge and awareness of past events. However, the effects or results of historical studies are not seen, observed immediately as do the findings in the area of medicine or engineering.
ReplyDeleteWith historical studies the effects on a society can be seen immediately for instance September 11th atttacks on the World Trade Centre in the United States, but the long term impact and the lessons that may be learned and put into practiced may not be implemented at once. The measures that are now taken in light of this terrorist attacks have now begun to take effect after nine years of that eventful day. Lessons and measures that can alter a society/country manner of doing things will begin to materialize many years after the event has occured. In light of this, historical studies should not be considered as insignificant or unimportant because it does not produce immediate results that are tested and promptly implemented. Even though historical studies do not produce some new treatment or cure or even create some complex transport design, history do educate us intellectually in the sense that we are able to learn something new and adjust or even re-adjust to new schools of thought thereby opening our mind to new foud ideas and if convinced that the new ways of thinking can indeed bring about positive influences on our outlook to life.
I agree with both Peter Sterns and G.M. Trevelyan, the study of history helps us analyze trends, cultures, people and society. History brings a greater appreciation for oneself and the things around us. It assists with understanding where we came from and where we are going and serves as a basis to build on and through knowledge from past experiences decisions can made.
ReplyDeleteHistory is therefore less tangible and immediate as it takes a period of observation and research but it is essential to our future development.
Sylvia Francis
ReplyDeleteAlthough, according to G.M. Trevelyan history has no proper scientific value, but is only educative, education is the foundation, a pillar of our present experience and future endeavours. Developments both technological and otherwise have their roots buried deep in history. Historians have a responsibility to intelligently educate the public and to ensure that their findings and information are as accurate as possible. The information is not for them alone, and the only valueless aspect will be their failure to accurately document and make available to the public the findings of their study.
Peter Stearns has made an interesting quotation. I tend to agree with him to some extent. Historians work are seldom seen and admitted in an individual’s life. Somehow groups, tribes or nations may benefit more from history as a whole than an isolated individual. In some countries life and purpose of life are seen through the eyes of their historical past. Not so much, if at all in the West, but in the Middle East, history is engraved in the heart of nations and their everyday life.
Why do Brazilians speak Portuguese but Venezuelans speak Spanish? Why do Jews defend their homeland with such violence? History is the guide from the past that tells us what we should not do in the future. History explains why nuclear weapons are built but not one was used since 1945. History may not have the prestige of Engineering, Astronomy, or Natural Sciences, but it gives us the foundation for learning in all disciplines. With all the developments that were made in the other disciplines, engineering still cannot explain with absolute proof how the pyramids were built.
ReplyDeleteHistory is the beginning of knowledge.
As the saying goes"If you don't know where you came from, you cannot know where you're going". The study of history may seem insignificant and a waste of time to most. "Forward ever, backward never" some say, but have we thought of the impact it would have on society if we just lived in the present or future?
ReplyDeleteOne way to gain knowledge is to live vicariously through other people's experiences. We can learn from their success as well as their failures. The greatest history book of all times, The Bible, has two lists. One list is called "examples" The message being: "Do what these people did".
The other list is called "warnings" The message, "Don't do what these fools did" If your story ever gets into someone's book, make sure it's used as an example and not as a warning....
This writer is in agreement with both Trevelyan’s and Stearns perspectives. History is a necessary and significant aspect to life as it helps one to understand who one is, where one came from and aids in the decision making of where one wants to go while paving the way forward.
ReplyDeleteWhile historians may not be regarded in the same light as other professionals, they do play an integral part in society. Their findings/reports aids in wise/valuable decision making as one can use past historical events and experiences to ascertain what one wants for the future while avoiding unnecessary mistakes.
I agree with both quotes, history for me is about learning of what has happened in the past so that you would not make the same mistakes in the future, in fact it is about seeing how we can make it better. Like it was stated in class that history is about looking at the facts of what happened, therefore the i believe that the findings can be used to educate others, like scientist for example can use what the historians have found, therefore making the world we live in a better place.
ReplyDeleteG.M Trevelyan's quote in my opinion is a true definition of History and the impact it has on any society. Knowing about one's past is always a great tool for the present. Historians carry their own burden in education to ensure that society understands past experiences and by enlarge past mistakes. This is necessary to ensure that we do not always fall victim to repetition.
ReplyDeleteStearn's, generally embraces the concept that Historians are not great scientist, or designers of the world, but their contributions are just as useful. Both men believe that History is needed for any society to survive, and should be appreciated. History used as an educative tool will always be viewed as a difficult field of study, compared to other disciplines. However, it will always be necessary for mankind to survive.
To run a race, you start from one point (A) and end at another point (B). The what, who, when and how that lies between point A & B is what we would call History.
ReplyDeleteFrom that reference above, I agree with Trevelyn in that the most important aspect of history is to educate the societies that are not aware of the importance of knowing their history. History assist us in understanding where our customs, values, traditions and beliefs came from and what were they various reasoning (if any) that were behind them.
History may be more difficult to define than other fields of work but it is those very fields of work that used history at some point in time for a deeper understanding or as a point of reference for their particular line of study. The information that we learn from history is used as the foundation for improving or developing of societies, I say so because in order to know that society has developed we must have a society of the past to compare it to.
Sterns rightfully said that history is indispensable, and it has been and would continue to be the basic and only source of information that can assist us to understand where we came from and in what direction we should go.
Historians should indeed be thanked for the work that they have done for without them societies of yesterday and today would have truly been lost, because we would have known nothing about everything.
History is elementary and Trevely said it best “And if historians neglect to educate the public, if they fail to interest it intelligently in the past, then all their in historical learning is valueless except in so far as it educates themselves”.
Trevelyan's quote - I think history is not only educative but it also helps us understand who we are, where we came from and where we are headed. History was written for us to have a better understanding of our past which encompasses the good and the bad events. It helps the society to grow as a people to better things. History involves a lot of research and deep study and it is necessary for the individual to thrive.
ReplyDeleteStern's quote - I agree with Stern's comment about history. It is indeed hard at times to access much needed evidence than that of the other fields. A piece of history goes deeper than the historical piece itself. It defines what the historical artifact really is. This field of study is not recognized on the job. I have heard as a child that one studies history in order to become a lawyer. I think that it does not stop there. I think history is very educative.
Carla
ReplyDeleteThe quotations provided came from two renowned historians. This was surprising to me because the view presented are biased and myopic views of history.
While these small excerpts are not enough to sentence these two gentlemen, I thought initially thought that they were views expressed by scientists.
While “history has no properly scientific value,” this does not discredit history. History will never satisfy the rigours of scientific verification. The truth is history, as in any other field, should be subject to its own criteria. History has always been substantiated by eyewitness accounts, documentation, archaeology and astrology. Additionally, on the topic of history being less tangible that other disciples, I feel that less tangible does not mean less significant. We classify many intangibles as profound
like human rights, ethics and women’s liberation.
Lastly, our interest in history should never be limited to “educative.” History is educative. History is also responsible for the pride of a people and a sense of self assurance. Many accomplishments often provide direction for the future as well as caution against repeated mistakes of life. History is an integral tool in functional disciples like international relations and industrial relations.As G.M Trevelyan say "History should be studied because it is essential to individuals and to society and because it habors beauty."
G.M Trevelyan is right in saying history's main purpose is to educate. It's on the bases of historian documentation that everyone in society base there lives whether they are aware of it or not.A historians job would be to research past events or even places. When their findings are documented it may give readers a renewed understanding of their history, this in turn might widen the readers way of thinking and thus influence their lifestyle. Therefore historians do need to pass on their knowledge in order for progress to take place effectively.
ReplyDeletein respect to what Trevelyan has stated i seem to pounder as i ask myself ain't archaeologist historians that look at things from a scientific perspective? if yes, then i will disagree with Trevelyan statedment as i personally believe it is because of historicalfindings that science in it self has advance this far. so i dont think the only purpose of history is for educative purposes but i think it also serves as a catalyse in the world of science for new findings and valuable comparisons.
ReplyDeletehowever, if historians dont share their finding throught the various channels then i do agree the only purpose of it then will be to educate themselves.
Trevelyan is quite right. History is the past therefore it does not really have any use to us now. However, in order to know how we came about, our ancestors etc, we need to be educated about it. If we do not have a sense of history we cannot fully know who we are and/or appreciate it. Therefore those who know much about history should share their knowledge with those who do not know.
ReplyDeleteI think Peter Stearns is saying that you do not really need to know about history in this present day because it is not really of any use as would engineering and medicine be. However it can be useful to us in the present day for example using herbs that people used in the past to cure diseases etc ....
in respect to Peter Stearns statement,i agree with him that society sometimes minimize the true significance of some disciplines that they deem as not serving any usefull purpose for example medicine.But as he later voiced history in fact is very usefull.I believe that no professiion is a body by it self, it is because of the findings of multidisciplines that have all coontributed to the constant evolving of our society in which we now refer to as a global community. But irregardless of how long it may take to produce reults i think history has contributed to society ultimate asdvancement just like any other noble professions.
ReplyDeleteSocieties thrive when they are reflective, resilient and establish societal structures for continuity. Therefore it is imperative that societies are educated about history in general. History informs them as they learn of the experiences that shape them. Hence sound decisions are made that will enhance the cohesion of societies.
ReplyDeleteHistory eliminates egocentric behaviour that traps one in a mould.
The origin of most disciplines hinges on history or the pass. Development is progressive, it moves from one stage to another improving as it goes along.
In light of this how can historian conceal history? It is absurd.
History is beneficial personally to the individual and is needed to foster effective structures in societies.
Heather
G. M. Trevelyan and Peter Stearns they both made interesting points and are right in their own ways,however I do find it some what prejudiced to say that history has "no properly scientific value".Yes historians may not seem to be extreme doers but they are important as Stearn may have implied.We all can agree that as a result of their assiduousness that we learn of our past and where we came from and also who we are as a people.When we look at research we see most of the times scientist they study the past to compare in relation to present society and events,I'm no History fanatic,but it was just difficult to accept that part of his statement,In light to his defense history shouldn't be keep clandestine,because when this is done how is it going to be affective and beneficial to life.I ask,Are we the ones who make history only educative when we ourselves neglect to learn from it?
ReplyDeleteBoth G. M. Trevelyan and Peter Stearns hit the issue on the head as both quotes state how insignificant and insubstantial history appears to be on the surface. However history in reality is essential as it educates individuals about the schemes of ALL activities, events and processes. And it is only when we obtain this education, can we truly understand the fact that history is the foundation of all disciplines. In addition history helps us to understand why things are the way it they are right now. This knowledge can help us determine which circumstances to avoid and which ones should be made better. History allows us the opportunity to make the changes needed to make the world better place. I have had a change of heart; I now embrace history as opposed to fearing it.
ReplyDeleteBoth G.M.Trevelyn and Peter Stearm made some interseting pionts on history in their own understanding. One said that the only purpose of history is educative and i agree because history is teaching and learning the knowledge, beliefs, skills and cultures of humanity, however i don't think that, that is the only purpose of history.
ReplyDeleteHistory is essential to individuals and to society because it hardors beauty. It helps us to understand change and how the society we lives in can be. It also helps us provibes identity in knowing who we are and where we came from.
My thoughts concerning the first quote by M. Trevelyan.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with this quote. History has no relation with science, it is not a body of information base on theories and laws, but information base on a study. History only purpose is to educate human beings about events which occurred in the past. If history stays within the historians who have the information of what occurred in the past, their knowledge and information will be meaningless because they alone would be the ones with the knowledge. When these historians pass on who will pass on the knowledge, clearly history will be vanished and human beings would have missed out on great knowledge that would of been able to enhance their lives.
My thoughts concerning the first quote by Peter Stearns.
I totally agree with this quote.Being a historian is not like being a policeman, Doctor or a construction worker. Its functionality is difficult to define in society. It is not what society sees as an acceptable discipline but it has its place and does serve a purpose by giving insight as to what happened in the past.History helps us recognize what are some changes we need to make in order to improve our standard of living.
Although historian's job may not seem as important as a Doctor's or engineer's job, it serves it purpose in educating us of events we were not around to witness...
ReplyDeleteG.M Trevelyan has a very compelling point. Histroy and every other area of research has very little importance without someone achieving some form of benifits and understanding from it. At the same time I do believe that it is necessary to give histroy it's needed recognition. Let's be logical, in order to develop we must look back in history to both learn from our mistakes and improve on our lifestyles. History is a learing process which allow a person to both enhace oneself and also understand the culture and upbringing of a country.
ReplyDeleteAccording to G.M.Trevelyan Hisotry is indeed educative. It serves to eduacate us human beings where we have been and where we came. Which brings me to the point that it may not be Science but still linked to it, as it deals with genotypes and other scientific findings. Therfore it is vital to the needs of scientists. My point may be a bit contrasting to that of Mr.Trevleyan but I still agree that history deals with giving back and educating us Human beings. History also defines us as Peter Searns had pointed out and i totally agree. I believe history defines the way we live think and breath as Science would find a way to solve this senses. History also plays an important role in the upbringing of our culture that deals with us.
ReplyDeleteI am in full concurrence with Trevelyan that history does solely have an educative purpose. As people are educated about history it stimulates a need to seek investigate and or seek out the truth; as scientists are forever investigating historical occurrences in an attempt to come up with their own theory of what they believe to be the truth. Furthermore, had historians neglected to share their findings with the rest of the world, people would not have known from where they came. A great deal is learnt from the past as it aids in the improvement of the present. Without historical knowledge this present improvement would be quite tedious task.
ReplyDelete