In the fourth episode of The Philosopher's Guide to the Apocalypse, Matthew discusses why he thinks the study of history is important and how it can assist when talking about various sociopolitical and philosophical issues (a few examples being the protests in Cuba, reparations/race relations, and US foreign policy). To be alive means you are playing a part in history no matter how small. And if that isn't a good reason to study history, I don't know what is!