What is the significance of history?

As the novelist George Santayana famously said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." This quote has been altered and repeated in the decades since it was first spoken, but the sentiment remains the same. It is a clear and inarguable statement that strongly emphasizes the importance of having an appreciation for history.
Schools in nations around the world devote scores of classes to the purpose of teaching pupils about many aspects of history. In addition to helping people avoid repeating past mistakes, a study of history also allows for humankind to understand the processes that have led us to where we currently are. History is the building block of the future, and the more we understand about where we came from, the more we will understand about where we can go.
 
http://msc.gutenberg.edu/2001/02/the-importance-of-history/