Being a member of any community requires an understanding of the past, a dedication to the present, and contributions for the future. Past contributors took pride in their community to make it what it is today, and it is our duty to continue this so future generations will carry on the tradition. Pride is defined as "pleasure or satisfaction taken in an achievement, possession, or association." To take pride in our great country, one should know what has taken place in the past to understand how we have come to where we are. Many people do not realize how much our country has gone through to achieve the freedoms we have today and how significant they really are. Being knowledgeable in the field of history is essential because what happened in the past effects how we live today, we take advantage of what has happened in the past, and we must realize how privileged we are to live with what we have.
It is necessary for the people of this country to realize that what has happened in the past effects how we live today. All actions that took place years and years ago have an impact on our era, and on future generations. The struggles our countrymen have faced over the last 200 plus years allow the people of today to live a life in freedom. America gives people throughout the world an opportunity to succeed, and this has an impact on how we live our lives. Studying the history of our country allows us to know how we have received all these privileges and makes us appreciate them even more. .
Learning from what has happened in the past can help one be more successful in their life. "So much can be learned from studying the past carefully that I wish more people .knew history better than they do .learn the tools of the trade, avoid ideological hang-ups, and be as honest as you can." (al-Sayyid Marsot, in Adelson, p. 162). A person should learn from what has happened in the past. Learn from the mistakes people have made, and use the skills they had to your advantage.