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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
An exploration of how history helps us interpret the present and plan for the future
Why Don't We Learn from History? by B. H. Liddell Hart explores the recurring patterns, errors, and lessons of history, emphasizing the importance of a strategic approach to learning from the past to avoid repeating mistakes.
When you’re able to learn from history, you can literally change the world. For proof, look no further than Otto von Bismarck, one of the most prominent statesmen of the 19th century. In a few short decades, he accomplished something that seemed impossible. His shrewd diplomacy and decisive military action united dozens of feuding principalities into one vast German empire.
So, how did Bismarck develop political skills and battlefield confidence? Well, the man himself used to say that his expertise had not come about by chance; nor was it based on natural talent. Instead, Bismarck cultivated it by studying history.
He famously claimed that only fools learn from their own experiences. Truly visionary leaders – according to Bismarck – draw inspiration and insight from the experiences of others.
The key message here is: Studying history broadens our understanding of the world.
Why study history? At the most basic level, it can help you understand why events happened the way they did. A skilled historian will use solid evidence to piece together an accurate picture of what occurred in the past – and why.
But history is so much more than just an academic pursuit. It also helps you make better decisions. It gives you knowledge and wisdom you simply cannot get from everyday life. Sure, an 80-year-old may have decades of life lessons to guide her actions, but a student of history will have hundreds or thousands of years’ worth of data to draw upon.
It’s particularly important to study military history. It may be fashionable for historians to focus on slow, subtle shifts in society, brought on by economic trends. However, it’s often armed conflict that drives events. Just consider how different the world would be if important battles had gone the other way. What if the Persians had conquered Greece? What if Napoleon was quashed at Toulon? The world would be an entirely different place.
As you consider these questions, it’s important to maintain a broader view. Get too caught up in the minutiae, or delve too deeply into just one source of data, and you risk distorting your understanding of events. Great leaders often massage the truth to bolster their legacy. And as for historians themselves, well, even the best of them have biases.
So, when we study the past, it’s best to take a step back and employ a dispassionate scientific approach. How? We’ll find out in the next blink.
Why Don't We Learn from History? (1944) is a meditation on the nature of history and on why so few heed its lessons. First published near the end of World War Two, this thoughtful treatise contains many insights still relevant today.
Why Don't We Learn from History? (1944) is a thought-provoking exploration of why humanity repeats past mistakes. Here's why this book is worth reading:
History is the record of mans steps and slips. It provides us with the opportunity to profit by the stumbles and tumbles of our forerunners.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get startedBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
What is the main message of Why Don't We Learn from History?
The main message of Why Don't We Learn from History? is the importance of studying history to avoid repeating past mistakes.
How long does it take to read Why Don't We Learn from History?
The reading time for Why Don't We Learn from History? varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Why Don't We Learn from History? a good book? Is it worth reading?
Why Don't We Learn from History? is worth reading as it explores the reasons behind our repeated failures to learn from history, providing valuable insights and lessons.
Who is the author of Why Don't We Learn from History?
The author of Why Don't We Learn from History? is B. H. Liddell Hart.