“The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.”
– Rafiki, The Lion King

Ever wondered why interviews start with a CV? Or why the first thing people ask in therapy is, “Tell me about your childhood”? Turns out, the past isn’t as irrelevant as it seems. In fact, it’s the blueprint for everything—from relationships to careers and even the way nations interact. Let’s take a closer look at why the past matters more than we think.

The Power of Patterns: Predicting the Future

History is like a movie with a plot twist: you can’t fully understand the ending without knowing the backstory. Take diplomacy, for instance. Countries remember how others behaved in the past. An alliance or a grudge isn’t formed overnight—it’s built on years, even decades, of history.

In the workplace, it’s no different. When you sit for a job interview, your CV is a highlight reel of your past achievements (and failures). Employers are like historians: they study your past to predict how you’ll perform in the future.

As Forrest Gump so wisely put it, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” But with the past as a guide, you can make a pretty good guess.

Relationships: A Love Story with a Prequel

If you’ve ever been in a relationship, you’ll know that people carry their pasts with them like luggage. Sometimes it’s neatly packed; other times, it’s a chaotic mess spilling out everywhere. Understanding someone’s history can make all the difference.

For instance, someone who grew up with trauma may need more patience and care in a relationship. It’s not about excusing bad behaviour but about understanding where it comes from. As Yoda from Star Wars might say:
“The greatest teacher, failure is.”

The more you know about someone’s past, the better equipped you are to love and support them. Think of it as reading the first few chapters of a book before jumping to the climax.

Cultural and Religious Continuity: Old Lessons for a New World

Societies are built on the teachings of the past. Whether it’s religion, tradition, or culture, our present actions are guided by what we’ve learned from those who came before us.

Take religion, for example. People follow teachings that are centuries old, believing they’ll lead to a better future. It’s like Doc Brown in Back to the Future said:
“Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.”
But we do need a map—and history often serves as that map.

Ignoring the Past: A Risky Business

The phrase “let bygones be bygones” sounds nice in theory, but ignoring the past can lead to repeating mistakes. Whether it’s in relationships, politics, or personal growth, the past offers lessons we can’t afford to overlook.

As Albus Dumbledore reminds us in Harry Potter:
“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”
But neither should we ignore the lessons of yesterday as we step into tomorrow.

When the Past Holds Us Back

While the past is a great teacher, it can also be a stubborn prison. Sometimes, clinging to old wounds or mistakes keeps us from moving forward. That’s when it’s time to let go and rewrite the script.

Take inspiration from Tony Stark in Iron Man:
“I shouldn’t be alive… unless it was for a reason.”
The past might define where you’ve been, but it doesn’t have to dictate where you’re going.

The Past is a Compass

So, whether it’s a CV, a relationship, or a cultural tradition, the past isn’t just a relic—it’s a compass. The more we understand it, the better we can chart a course for the future. As Simba learned in The Lion King, running from the past doesn’t work. Instead, we must face it, learn from it, and use it to grow.

“After all, tomorrow is another day.”
– Scarlett O’Hara, Gone with the Wind

So, next time you hear someone say, “Leave the past behind,” think twice. Maybe it’s worth a second look.