Does history suck?

I spend a lot of time looking backwards because I love learning about historical events, understanding what happened in the past and why and learning about the people and places that make up human and natural history. History isn't for everyone though, I know many people who say they have no interest in it which, I believe, is a lost opportunity.

There's so much to be learned from looking back in time and by, evaluating and understanding what went rightly or wrongly then determining what to do or not do in the present can make the here and now and the future much more agreeable from a personal perspective and generally. A lot of progression and growth can be found by building on concepts from, or rectifying the faults of, the past.

Does history suck?

The answer is probably yes and no because we've all had things that went well or badly in our lives and the same generally and, I think, it's a safe bet to say many of us have learned from them - and also that so many have not.

I can look back on specific moments in my life and remember thinking at the time, this fucken sucks ass, and even now, years later, that emotion bubbles up but if objective about it I have to acknowledge that those moments, helped me grow and develop, think differently, find solutions, delve into my own thoughts and feelings and eventually changed my path - mostly it's been for the better, a better present and future. Of course, the past is always just one second behind us and as one goes through life errors, faults and mistakes happen as does happenstance and chance and things outside of our direct control. When it's all said and done though, past moments can really suck and they can't be changed but by learning, overcoming, adapting and having the right attitude and mindset on a sucky past those bad moments can have value and can be changed and the good ones replicated or improved upon.

I think it's important to look backwards while thinking and focusing forwards, and equally important not to dwell on the past and live in it.

If I could change certain things about my life I probably would but there's much I would not because it's my past, my personal history that has shaped me along the way and helped me create an enjoyable, fulfilled and meaningful life; will I look back on my history from this very moment at some stage and think some of it sucked? I have no doubt that I will, but with an ethos based around learning from every moment or occurrence in my life I know I'm well-placed to enjoy an upward life-trend from the three core things I want from it: enjoyment, fulfillment and meaning.

What are your thoughts in this topic, if you have any thoughts at all? What has worked for you, or not, do you blind yourself from seeking your own history or that of the world around you and if so why or do you want to see it, understand and learn? Feel free to comment below if you want to.