History . . . is indeed little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind.
These words of Edward Gibbon amply illustrate the importance of the subject. In fact History is a product of the inquisitive mind of mankind. We are curious to know as what happened in the past. More so it is curiosity that drives us to know such things. But an intelligent man or civilization will learn a lot from the past so that their future is devoid of follies.
Historian should always pay attention to details while going through the past. But he should record things which are only relevant to the present and the past.
Many a times students get bored about history as it contains lots of dated and war details.
One should know the importance of time. Consider the work Outlines of World history by H.G.Wells. Though he mentions the time of a particular event, he never makes it boring. For example while referring to Jesus Christ he would say Two thousand years ago . This type of narration would make us think of the gravity of the time in which we are living and the importance of Jesus Christ, who preached Love and brotherhood.
So also some of the aspects in history may appear amusing. You may take note of various volumes of Rise and fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon. There is a chapter pertaining to the public works undertaken by the then government. He also makes a note of the payments made to the labourers. The amount, mode of payment and the way it was being utilised.
When we go through such details, we will be astonished to know the existence of certain things which may look absurd now. But if you consider it much deeply, one will be able to appreciate the growth of mankind through the ages.
A historian while documenting the incidents of the past, should pay attention to details no doubt. But their relevance should be felt by the reader.
That is why the book Outlines of World History is such a popular book even today. It is read and referred by laymen even today for the authors considered opinion. Also it makes an interesting reading for any one.
The scholars sometimes live in their own world, devoid of the realities. They expect every one to appreciate them. Whereas they do not consider the limitations of a ordinary people. They should also know that if a work of great importance just lies in a library, read by none is rather a waste of their energy and precious time. Rather they should reach out to people and make them understand the real importance of history.
For that I think H.G.Wells is a standing example of how a historian can be precise and at the same time make an interesting reading.
History is that face of mankind which always lies hidden. To appreciate the beauty of this hidden face, one will have to have a distinct outlook. That out look which is called right perspective. Then only a historian will be able to provide a record of events that are more meaningful and useful to the coming generations.
These words of Edward Gibbon amply illustrate the importance of the subject. In fact History is a product of the inquisitive mind of mankind. We are curious to know as what happened in the past. More so it is curiosity that drives us to know such things. But an intelligent man or civilization will learn a lot from the past so that their future is devoid of follies.
Historian should always pay attention to details while going through the past. But he should record things which are only relevant to the present and the past.
Many a times students get bored about history as it contains lots of dated and war details.
One should know the importance of time. Consider the work Outlines of World history by H.G.Wells. Though he mentions the time of a particular event, he never makes it boring. For example while referring to Jesus Christ he would say Two thousand years ago . This type of narration would make us think of the gravity of the time in which we are living and the importance of Jesus Christ, who preached Love and brotherhood.
So also some of the aspects in history may appear amusing. You may take note of various volumes of Rise and fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon. There is a chapter pertaining to the public works undertaken by the then government. He also makes a note of the payments made to the labourers. The amount, mode of payment and the way it was being utilised.
When we go through such details, we will be astonished to know the existence of certain things which may look absurd now. But if you consider it much deeply, one will be able to appreciate the growth of mankind through the ages.
A historian while documenting the incidents of the past, should pay attention to details no doubt. But their relevance should be felt by the reader.
That is why the book Outlines of World History is such a popular book even today. It is read and referred by laymen even today for the authors considered opinion. Also it makes an interesting reading for any one.
The scholars sometimes live in their own world, devoid of the realities. They expect every one to appreciate them. Whereas they do not consider the limitations of a ordinary people. They should also know that if a work of great importance just lies in a library, read by none is rather a waste of their energy and precious time. Rather they should reach out to people and make them understand the real importance of history.
For that I think H.G.Wells is a standing example of how a historian can be precise and at the same time make an interesting reading.
History is that face of mankind which always lies hidden. To appreciate the beauty of this hidden face, one will have to have a distinct outlook. That out look which is called right perspective. Then only a historian will be able to provide a record of events that are more meaningful and useful to the coming generations.
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