So, What Do You Get Out Of History ?

[mongers]

Recently I've tentatively started reading a few history books again, something I have done for years. And it prompted me to ask the question why am I doing this and what do I get out of it.

So, what do you get out of history ?

[garbon]

The words of old white men.

[mongers]

The words of old white men.

Well stop reading those books; you could net the exact same thing from listening to me.   

[derspiess]

The words of old white men.

Conversely, I've taken to reading Afrocentric literature.  Rather enlightening.

[PDH]

I get a supplement to my paycheck.

Also, the fun of teaching 120 freshmen.

[Viking]

Recently I've tentatively started reading a few history books again, something I have done for years. And it prompted me to ask the question why am I doing this and what do I get out of it.

So, what do you get out of history ?

Same thing I get out of reading philosophy. It makes me a better person.

[Phillip V]

I use history to form my moral character and decisionmaking.

[garbon]

Recently I've tentatively started reading a few history books again, something I have done for years. And it prompted me to ask the question why am I doing this and what do I get out of it.

So, what do you get out of history ?

Same thing I get out of reading philosophy. It makes me a better person.

So when are you going to finally reach slightly good?

[Razgovory]

I just liked history cause I found it entertaining.

[Phillip V]

I just liked history cause I found it entertaining.

Best horror and sex stories.

[Barrister]

I just liked history cause I found it entertaining.

It's funnier because its true.

[Razgovory]

I just liked history cause I found it entertaining.

Best horror and sex stories.

Well there was the added benefit of being able to bore people to death at parties with historical Trivia.  Then I found that I could better results just making shit up,  "Most European countries are named for their founders.  For instance France was named after King Francis, Britain was named after Queen Brittney and Russia was named for Emperor Russ.  Germany is a bit of a strange case as it's named after it's chief export, germs".  Now I don't go to parties so it's sort of a moot point I suppose.

[Phillip V]

I just liked history cause I found it entertaining.

Best horror and sex stories.

Well there was the added benefit of being able to bore people to death at parties with historical Trivia.  Then I found that I could better results just making shit up,  "Most European countries are named for their founders.  For instance France was named after King Francis, Britain was named after Queen Brittney and Russia was named for Emperor Russ.  Germany is a bit of a strange case as it's named after it's chief export, germs".  Now I don't go to parties so it's sort of a moot point I suppose.

That's horrible.

[Sheilbh]

Different things. Generally it's because I'm interested in something and want to know more, in which case I'll read many versions. Sometimes I feel there's a gap that I need to fill. Most rarely it's for the writing, Wedgwood on the Thirty Years War for example. Also just out of a sense of fun, this is especially the way with ancient histories like Livy and Herodotus.

As to what I get out of it, well hopefully enough bare facts to agree or fight with a strong argument.

[CountDeMoney]

So, what do you get out of history ?

That I'm doomed to repeat it.