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Sample Response to Real GRE Issue Questions
Issue # 4: "The study of
history has value only to the extent that it is relevant to our daily
lives."
To state that the study of history is only valuable if it is relevant to
our daily lives is to ignore the value that history has beyond the
day-to-day activities of human beings. It would seem to be a rather
shallow statement that implies that humans only live just to survive
rather than planning for the futures of their children and the
environment.
First of all, to study history is to look at a road map of human behavior
that has led us to where we are today in the world. For example, the
lessons learned during all of the past wars can make for more effective
wartime leadership by avoiding mistakes made by past commanders. From the
ancient Chinese author Sun Tzu's book "The Art of War", today's military
commanders and even business leaders gather valuable information that
allows them to operate more efficiently and effectively. The study of this
type of history has a value beyond the daily lives of people. It can lead
to a military victory or the success of a business that directly affects
what happens in the future, including the futures of those that are
possibly not even born yet.
Another example is that by studying history, parents can help to improve
the lives of their children in the future. Lessons learned by generations
of their ancestors before them could help show them the way to properly
raise a child. What worked for others can give guidance to the parents of
today and tomorrow to make sure that children are prepared for their own
futures beyond their daily lives.
Additionally, the study of medical advances made throughout history can be
the foundation to build upon to make the medical advances of today and
tomorrow to make people live longer and healthier lives. A researcher's
daily life may not be enhanced by the study of the history of the AIDS
pathogen, but it could certainly bring about a profound effect on the
lives of others in the future if ways to control and cure the disease are
found. The study of previous research over history has led to many amazing
medical discoveries. To study history only to enrich one's daily life
would here again seem to be incongruous with the truth.
A further example of the value of the study of history beyond its effect
on daily life is the treatment of the environment and the earth as a
whole. Looking back to the past to see the various effects of various
human behaviors on the environment can show valuable lessons on what can
happen if proper precautions are not taken. The nuclear accidents at Three
Mile Island and Chernobyl have been studied to ensure that they do not
happen again. Certainly the study of the effects of nuclear materials on
humans and the environment provides value beyond that of the day-to-day
life of people. The study of oil spills and their effects on the
environment gives similar guidance on how to avoid or at least minimize
the damage of an oil spill on the environment. The study of the
disintegration of the ozone layer over the poles of the earth has given
birth to new laws and regulations on certain chemicals that help to
preserve this valuable part of our atmosphere. All of these examples of
studying history provide value far beyond its impact on the daily lives of
people.
To be certain, there are people out there that believe that only what
affects them right here and right now is important. For them, the study of
history might seem to be a waste of time if it does not affect their
day-to-day lives. But for countless other individuals and groups, the
study of history leads to improvements in activities that have an effect
reaching far into the future, beyond their daily lives. The futures of
mankind and the environment depend on these types of people who have
enough foresight to study history to make for a better future for
everyone.
(690 words)
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