为什么要学习历史

We draw on our collective memory – the very thing that we call history. The past decisions and actions also set precedent for our future options and precautions. Hence, it seems the American philosopher George Santayana was right in saying, “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Besides, history is appealing. It’s the story of people, famous or infamous, intelligent and brainless, industrious and negligent. It’s the story of what angered, saddened or pleased them. Granted, this story isn’t always entertaining or uplifting. Some parts of it can be even shady, miserable, heartrending or make us ashamed. But overall, I feel history is fun, not to mention the enlightening quotes and the mini-profiles of semi-obscure people.

词汇点睛：set precedent for 为…提供范例 uplifting shady heartrending

例句：（来自牛津或柯林斯词典）

The ruling set a precedent for future libel cases.

这项裁决为今后的诽谤案提供了判例。

an uplifting experience/speech

令人振奋的经历 / 演说

a shady businessman/deal

行为可疑的商人；一宗有问题的交易

…heart-rending pictures of refugees…

令人心碎的难民照片