* History is a record of the past. Historians use a variety of sources, such as written documents, archaeological evidence, and oral histories, to reconstruct the past. This record of the past can help us to understand how our ancestors lived, what challenges they faced, and what lessons we can learn from their experiences.
* History provides context for the present. By understanding the past, we can better understand the present. For example, if we know about the history of colonialism, we can better understand the current state of global inequality. Or, if we know about the history of the civil rights movement, we can better understand the current state of race relations in the United States.
* History can help us to make better decisions about the future. By learning from the mistakes of the past, we can avoid repeating them in the future. For example, if we know about the history of the Cold War, we can avoid making the same mistakes that led to that conflict. Or, if we know about the history of environmental degradation, we can make better decisions about how to protect the environment for future generations.
In short, history is linked to the past in a number of ways. It is a record of the past, it provides context for the present, and it can help us to make better decisions about the future.