1. Definition of "history"
The history of facts is different from that of written records. Facts cannot be read, and the history we read is recorded in a certain way. For example, collect relevant information about specific periods and events, interview the parties orally, or sort out the history of the times according to personal letters or diaries.
History in a narrow sense refers to describing a certain period, an event or a series of events in the past, which is basically a narrative style, more or less formalized. This book has a broad definition of history books, that is, history is basically a narrative, and the so-called things refer to "stories".
2. Why are history books narrative?
When judging whether a person is guilty or not, the court will judge according to the assumptions, speculations, guarantees and evaluations of witnesses' testimony and strict evidence. Under such circumstances, can we still confidently say that we really know what was sent at that time? Maybe I still have some doubts in my heart. On the other hand, historians are concerned with what happened a long time ago. All the witnesses have died, and the evidence they produced has not been strictly examined and standardized like the court. It is difficult for us to easily determine the cause, process, development and influence of things as described in the book.
Secondly, when historians write history books, they do not find a common pattern on many things, but set up a pattern on these events. What do you mean? That is, when historians write, they will use a set of theories to answer why these historical figures do these things, and what are the reasons and motives for the development of things. Reading history books, the most basic cognition is to know which mode the author is operating. Historical theory is different. Historians' theory will affect their description of historical events, so if you really want to know the history of an event or period, you need to read more relevant works.
3. How to read history wisely: See the universality of history?
Why spend energy and time reading people and things that no longer exist in the world? Because these classic records that have disappeared have influenced people's later behavior. Not only we, but also these people who have been in the middle of this history have disappeared to the present. They read these books, learn knowledge from them, and create their history by getting inspiration and influencing actions. After them, we are also influenced by their history. Reading history is not only about what happened at a certain time and place in the past, but also about why people behave like this at any time and in any space, especially now.
4. Questions to ask when reading history books
(1) Every history book has a special and limited theme. As a reader, you should understand what the author said and what he didn't say.
(2) When reading history books, you should know what methods the author uses to explain and organize the story, whether it is according to the age, period, era or other laws. Readers need to find out these contents, find the parts that the author values most, and learn from them.
(3) We can make our own criticism or judgment after fully understanding the meaning of the book. Whether this book is realistic enough, such as whether the description of human nature or human things in the story is true enough; Or whether the information used by the author is correct or not, and whether there are omissions.
What does this book have to do with me? History books are the most influential literary works on human behavior. History tells us what human beings have done in the past, and guides us to make changes and try to show ourselves better.
Step 5 read biographies and autobiographies
(1) Biography can be divided into the final version and the authorized version.
The final version, usually written after a person's death, is a detailed and complete academic report of a person's life and belongs to a part of history. A power of attorney is usually written by an heir or an important friend while a person is still alive. According to the advantages of close relationship with this person, or some private information, write down this person in your eyes. In addition to a person's private life, such books are more about the background of the times, people's living habits and attitudes, and inferred acceptable or unacceptable behavior patterns.
There are also some biographies in between.
(2) autobiography
When reading an autobiography, the question is, has anyone really written a real autobiography? Autobiography cannot be completely true, nor can it be completely false. The so-called formal autobiography is not a new literary way, and no one can completely get rid of his own works. Whitman said of his Leaves of Grass: "This is not a book. When you touch this book, you touch a life. " .
Finally, don't jump to conclusions before you fully understand a book.
Biography, like history, may be in "What does it have to do with me?" This problem leads to a practical benign action. Biography is enlightening. It is the story of life, usually the story of successful people, and it can also be used as a guide to our life.
6. Read a few principles of current affairs.
(1) What does the author want to prove?
(2) Who does he want to convince?
(3) What is his professional knowledge?
(4) Does he really know what he is talking about?
History books are records of the past and a way for us to understand the world in front of us, but more importantly, we can learn from them and guide the present.
Since you have read all these, you might as well have one before you go ~