"The study of history is largely a waste of time because it prevents us
from focusing on the challenges of the present. "
Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the opinion
expressed above. Support your point of view with reasons and/or examples
from your own experience, observations, or reading.（新与旧）

Is studying history is a waste of time because it distracts us from current
challenges? Does the study of history have any bearing on present problems
or their possible solutions? In my opinion, history can provide examples,
perspectives and insights that are directly relevant to contemporary
challenges.
One way that studying history can help us face new challenges is by showing
us inspirational examples f success. For instance, we can learn from the
experience of the great inventor Thomas Edison that sometimes a series of
apparent failures is really a precursor to success. Also consider the
journey of Lewis and dark into the Northwest Territory. Understanding the
motivations needed to overcome adversities they faced can help to inspire
modem-day explorers and scientists.
Studying history can also help us avoid repeating mistakes. For instance,
we can learn from the failure of Prohibition during the 1930s that it can
be a mistake to legislate morality. And future generations might learn from
the 1997 indictment of the tobacco industry that it is bad policy to trade
off the well-being of consumers in order to secure profits.
Finally, the study of history is important because we cannot fully
appreciate our present challenges without understanding their historical
antecedents. Consider the issue of whether California should be officially
bilingual. The treaty that transferred California from Mexico to the United
States stipulated that California must embrace both Spanish and English as
official languages. Those who view the current bilingual debate as purely a
contemporary issue might bring to the debate a more enlightened viewpoint
by appreciating this historical fact and the events that led to the treaty.
In sum, though the past might seem distant, it is far from irrelevant.
Studying history can inspire us to achievement, help us avoid costly
mistakes, and help us simply appreciate that in most cases we've been down
this road before.