Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.
I believe it is overly simplistic to assert that one must study its major cities to grasp the most important characteristics of a society. A society is a group of individuals who share a common geographic location or culture, often organized within sovereign states. The defining traits of a society or a nation—those that distinguish it from others—vary widely and are not always centered in urban areas.
A pivotal aspect of many societies is their indigenous culture, which often remains underrepresented in major cities due to historical colonization by Western nations and the homogenizing forces of industrialization. Urban areas frequently become indistinguishable from those in other parts of the world. For instance, in countries like Australia and Canada, indigenous communities are typically located far from metropolitan areas. These groups represent unique historical and cultural narratives essential for understanding national identity and ongoing discussions about rights, land, and autonomy. Similarly, the Sámi people—indigenous to the Arctic areas of Sampi, which includes parts of northern Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Russia—maintain a distinct cultural identity that is more palpable in their traditional territories than in Norwegian or Finnish cities. Therefore, the most significant societal characteristics can be comprehended without a focus on major cities.
Additionally, different people may hold different perspectives on what is the most important feature of a society. Ecological and environmental features often play a defining role. These aspects, which make a country unique and attract tourism, scientific research, and explorations, are predominantly found in less urbanized areas. While major cities optimize resource-use to support dense populations, rural regions preserve the natural heritage and ecological health essential to a society’s identity. Studying nature reserves and less urbanized areas can provide deeper insights into a society’s conservation priorities. For example, the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest is central to Brazilian identity. Understanding this does not necessarily require studying the urban dynamics of Sao Paulo. Likewise, Puerto Rico is home to the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay in Vieques, a smaller island east of the main island where San Juan, the capital, is located. This natural wonder has made Puerto Rico a hotspot for ecological tourism and conservation.
Admittedly, major cities are crucial for understanding societies where finance, economics, and political activities are concentrated. These activities mainly take place in areas with high population densities, and major cities are typically where most people live in. For example, in the United States, cities like New York City and Chicago serve as economic hubs. Major cities are also where a significant portion of Democratic voters are residing, representing nearly half of the electorate in the U.S. However, this perspective does not universally apply; not all societies exhibit their most crucial characteristics in their major cities. Even in the U.S., some argue that the nation’s greatness lies in its natural environment. Its pristine landscapes are regarded as a unique cultural asset, distinct from Europe’s historic monuments. Yet, many of these national parks are far from major cities.
In conclusion, I disagree with the notion that to comprehend the most important characteristics of a society, one must study its major cities. While cities can provide significant insights, they do not always reflect the broader, distinguishing features of a society.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.
While history dispels the illusion that people today are significantly different from those in earlier times in some aspects, it also highlights significant changes. The benefits of studying history are multifaceted, offering profound insights into human nature, societal evolution, and cultural creativity.
Admittedly, archaelogical discoveries reveal that there is no essential difference between humans from early historical times and those today in terms of physical structure and behavioral logic. And the ways people in ancient Greece, the Middle Ages, and modern times acted share remarkable similarities. Similarly, literature and art across eras reveal that emotions like love, ambition, jealousy, and grief are timeless, as seen in the enduring resonation of Shakespeare’s plays. Moreover, history highlights recurring mistakes, such as society’s response to pandemics—fear, misinformation, and resistance to public health measures—echoing patterns from the Bubonic Plague or the Spanish Flu to COVID-19. Economic inequality also persists; the Industrial Revolution widened the gap between the wealthy and the working class, much like today’s computing and AI revolution. While studying history can indeed dispel the illusion that people in the past are significantly different from those today, its true value lies in equipping us with the knowledge to take proactive measures to avoid repeating these mistakes.
From another perspective, the people of the past were significantly different from those of the present, particularly in terms of social structures and values. Historical studies show the rigid social hierarchies, entrenched gender roles, and isolated societies of earlier times. These were shaped by limited transportation, restricted mobility and communication, underdeveloped productive forces, and flawed anthropological concepts that fostered racial prejudice through pseudoscientific approaches. Milestones such as the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, and decolonization efforts—such as the repatriation of museum objects from the Western world—highlight the progress societies have made toward equality and fairness. Understanding these transformations is one of the main benefits of studying history, as it helps us recognize this progress while addressing the ongoing struggles for social justice and striving for greater inclusivity.
Another major benefit of learning history is its ability to inspire new innovations. Isaac Newton remarked in a letter, “If I have seen further [than others], it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Intellectual progress builds upon the understanding gained by major thinkers who have gone before. History also serves as a source of inspiration for modern creativity. For example, learning from Chinese Art History at Dunhuang, designers can incorporate ancient patterns, mural colors, and motifs into modern fabrics, fashion, and branding strategies. Similarly, the Paris 2024 Olympic mascot, The Phryges, reimagines the iconic red Phrygian cap, a symbol of freedom depicted in art history, such as in Eugène Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. These examples demonstrate how historical symbols and designs can be transformed to resonate with modern audiences and connect cultures worldwide.
In sum, history bridges the past and present. The study of history provides invaluable lessons about the complexities of human progess. Not only does it challenge the assumption that people today are not significantly different from those in earlier times, it also empowers us to learn from shared experiences and work toward a better future.
Side notes
Whenever I see absurd events in history that mirror what’s happening in the real world, I can’t help but feel a mix of mockery and frustration. There’s nothing new under the sun. We often think we’re living through a “once-in-a-century” era of massive change, but in reality, history is full of moments just like this.
Plato witnessed the cruelty and arbitrariness of the oligarchs and the lack of principles among the democrats. He questioned how justice could be achieved and what kind of leaders could govern wisely. Today, people still face similar challenges and ask the same questions. Then take the “midnight judges”, those last-minute appointments John Adams made on his way out of office. Or the 1876 election, with its contested results and eventual compromise. Political transitions have always been messy, turning into battlegrounds for securing influence, much like the maneuvering and controversies we see in elections today. The intense polarization of 2002-2004 shows that America being deeply divided in 2024/2025 isn’t exactly a first.
But here’s the thing, every generation has been through its set of problems. Looking back at history helps us realize that the chaos we’re experiencing isn’t some unprecedented disaster. If anything, it’s a reminder of how resilient people are. Societies have weathered similar storms before. History does not progress constantly, but it accumulates and develops.