Aristotle believed poetry was a more philosophical and higher art than history because poetry expresses the universal. Poetry is a picture of man’s imagination, what he is capable of.
History on the other hand expressed the particular. It is simply an account of what had actually happened.
While I think Aristotle makes a valid point, human beings would be foolish to dismiss history. One of the important reasons to study history is to show you where you are on the time-space continuum. History is like the directory at a big mall. It offers context to “you are here.”
By working our way through history we can see how we got to where we are. It can also help us correct our course, if need be. (I’m one of those who think we “need be.”)
The Roman historian, Titus Livy, wisely said
“The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind; for in history you have a record of the infinite variety of human experience plainly set out for all to see: and in that record you can find for yourself and your country both examples and warnings: fine things to take as models, base things, rotten through and through, to avoid.”
We all exist in this time-space continuum called life, and we only get one opportunity to live it well.
So in the interest of YOLO, why not do yourself a favor and do something really extreme, something radical—read the classics and educate your soul for your best life now.
And above all, heed the magnum opus of all classic literature, the Bible, for your best life now and later.