There have been many studies into the rise and fall of ancient civilizations which it was contended should show us what to avoid if we are to keep our present civilization from declining. Two books in particular: The Decline of the West by Osward Spengler and A study of History by A. Toynbee go into great detail as to what caused civilizations to rise and fall. Spengler argued that all civilizations follow a pattern which can be compared to a human life. There is the birth of a civilization, it's infancy, adolescence, Adulthood and ultimately decline and death. On History Santayana said :"Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it." Toynbee asserted that: “Civilizations die from suicide, not by murder.” All of these people were cautioning against failing to learn from ancient civilizations.
There is every reason to study past civilizations to avoid the mistakes they made. I can't think of reasons not to study it. If we had ignored the teachings of the ancient Greeks we would have none of the progress we have today. We would have no cars, aeroplanes, TVs or computers. Our medicine would be no where near what we have now. It would most probably be just herbal remedies. Ancient civilizations have given us the basis for everything we have today.
2006-08-03 13:50:13
·
answer #1
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
We study ancient civilizations not only to avoid pass mistakes. We also study them to learn how we came to be the way we are. By knowing where we come from, we can understand better we we are now and the best way to go in the future.
Take the Iraq conflict, for example. The division between Shi'ites and Sunnis has been around for centuries. If we had understood this difference better and how it affects the present situation, better decision would have been made and less people died.
2006-08-03 16:23:10
·
answer #2
·
answered by Lumas 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
It has been said that those who do not study their history are doomed to repeat it. I personally don't think we have learned our lesson because we are still making the same mistakes of past civilizations. We keep extending our nations and countries past defendable positions. It would be one thing if we had a steady supply of troops but like the Roman Empire in its last days no one wants to enlist in the army and those in want to get out to avoid the constant fighting.
2006-08-03 13:36:31
·
answer #3
·
answered by West Coast Nomad 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
study of ancient civilizations is important in modern times because it tells us about the mistakes of the past and we get to learn lessons from that
2006-08-03 13:22:14
·
answer #4
·
answered by jose martin 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
I think the big link is that when a certain few people own the vast majority of the power that there is a common link to revolution...if the mass of people arent content then they must try and change it, so when only a few hold thing power the many wantto take it away
2006-08-03 20:37:28
·
answer #5
·
answered by vincenzo445 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
I think it's important because people have not changed. We have different technology but we are still the same humans. We don't interact all that differently now.
It's ashame we haven't learned that much from all the study though we still make the same mistakes.
2006-08-03 13:54:30
·
answer #6
·
answered by Roadkill 6
·
0⤊
0⤋
international historic previous is extra lined in passing, till electives are taken. American colleges exceptionally focal ingredient on American historic previous. additionally, American colleges nonetheless (regrettably) prepare a "chilly conflict" version of background. this is one the area in WW2, america in simple terms rolled in and saved the day for every person, and entirely disregards the actuality that Russia's offensive in opposition to Nazi Germany's jap front became into extra desirable than the coalitions entire Western front. briefly, particular, we learn international background, although we fairly usually get a biased view of it. The books prepare us that america frequently began out perfect, and has perfect been getting extra effective.
2016-09-28 21:22:26
·
answer #7
·
answered by ? 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
We learn - ideally - from the mistakes of others who have gone before us. I say ideally because apparently a certain leader who shall remain nameless hasn't learned a thing from history. Hopefully, we won't make those same mistakes and meet the same fate.
2006-08-03 13:59:18
·
answer #8
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
Look at the barrage of history questions asked by this same person all within a couple of minutes time. are we doing someones homework for them? Feels like Mrs. Babcocks class all over again.( geeeeze, has it been 30 years? where does the time go? ) anyway..........
2006-08-03 14:22:46
·
answer #9
·
answered by mark o 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
yes it tells us how modern civilizations will fall
2006-08-03 13:23:07
·
answer #10
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋