Because we are human beings, possess a memory, function by using experience, our own and that of others. If you have a philosophical bent of mind we could stop here and you would be content that your reading, writing and thinking about history this semester will be well worth the effort. But I suspect that most of you are not yet satisfied. You have practical questions. These are legitimate questions, although they are not as important as they might be in other fields of study.
History deals with everything that has happened to man.
History is deeply involved with language and communication, not only because it concerns itself with the ways in which people have related to one another, but also because history, as a subject or discipline, can only be set forth through the medium of language. The laboratory or workshop of history is society. Ideas become relevant only when they are expressed, shared, communicated. Consequently, because of its breadth, its concern with people and their institutions, and its essential connection with language, the study of history prepares a person for a considerable number of occupations and professions to which these qualities are central. The obvious thing is to pass it on, in other words, teach.