What we can learn from the ancient past

As the world enters an uncertain age once again, it may be wise to look back to avoid repeating the same dark paths as before. The value of studying history lies not only in discovering facts about our ancestors but also in learning lessons about what to do and what not to do when deciding state affairs.

History proves that innovation is key to progress. New inventions, when fully adopted, can propel a country's rise, while strict controls on thoughts and ideas often foreshadow a nation's decline. This dynamic was evident during the 19th century when new colonial powers conquered civilizations that had existed long before them.

It takes more than just a high GDP to outcompete your rivals. China had the world's largest GDP for most of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, yet it failed to adopt modern technologies and transition to a social and political structure better suited to modern times. As a result, tens of millions were displaced in the chaos of wars between revolutionaries, warlords, and foreign invaders.

In an era of AI, gene editing, and space exploration, it may seem that innovation and entrepreneurship are revolutionizing the world. However, there is still much room for improvement. Schools worldwide continue to employ teaching methods dating back to the 19th century. Learning from history doesn't mean following the same methods to the letter.

To produce a future world free from war and strife, we must ensure that we don't repeat the mistakes of the past.