Some folk live in fear that the past will one day come back to haunt them. Others don't believe in ghosts. And if you don't believe in ghosts, you can't believe in haunting. History is no threat to anyone. How can it be? It is the fear of history that does the damage. In much the same way, I suppose, as it is not money which is the root of all evil, but the love of money so if we don't learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. The future need not bring a repetition of the past.
 When the loss of a little face is better than ever-increasing entrenchment in an untenable position. In some societies many people feel pressure to keep up with their neighbours. If the folk next door get a new car, they wonder whether they too should get an equally smart and shiny vehicle.  It is not this superficial material level  as helping others will show a way forward,it will restore your self confidence and it will rekindle justified hope for a better tomorrow.