Knowing about the past cannot help people to make important decisions today.Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporti

Most societies as we know them today have undergone varying changes and evolution which means what may be a norm in a given place today may not have been so in the past. More so, given that we now face different problems and concerns to those of the past, just how much should we influenced by the past in making decisions? Whilst knowing the past provides an important context for making decisions, it should not be a crucial factor in decision making.

Using the past as a focal point for decision making might prove inaccurate because the ever changing world we live in requires relevant approaches which are suitable for the times we need in. One area for example which had undergone a drastic change and is in some respects akin to the past is climate change. Making important decisions on fossil fuels would require one to take into consideration present day realities and challenges. Nevertheless, the past may be useful in terms of serving as a reference point which might reveal nuances about a modern day issue, even one like climate change.

However useful the past may be for providing context and insight, a policy 100 years ago which would have worked may not necessarily apply today. This is true because although history has a tendency to repeat itself, cultures are not bounded entities as even the oldest cultures like the Native Americans or even pygmy have evolved. In making a decision on issues facing today for example, one must rely on empirical data and pay attention to context. History might still be important in such cases as although certain aspects may have changed, the basis of most societies is likely to be same.

By and large, the past whilst a useful reference point is not a sufficient basis for making decisions especially in today's globalized world.