Past experience, if not forgotten, is a guide for the future.
This saying comes from Zhan Guo Ce (The Strategies of the States), a collection of stories of political strategists of the Warring States Period. The idea reminds people to draw lessons from history to guide on future actions.
The ancient Chinese valued the lessons of history. The rulers often drew on the successes and failures of previous dynasties to guide their current and future governance.
Speaking at a gathering marking the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World War II, held in September 2020, Xi Jinping said: History, if not forgotten, can serve as a guide for the future. The great spirit of resistance is an invaluable wealth of the Chinese people, which will continue to inspire the nation to overcome all kinds of hardships and dangers and strive for national rejuvenation.
前事不忘，后事之师
“前事不忘，后事之师” ，出自《战国策》，意为过去的事情不能忘记，可以作为以后行事的借鉴。这一理念提醒人们要从历史中吸收经验教训，以此作为今后的参照或借鉴。中国注重修史，就是通过总结前代治国理政的成败得失来警示、启发当代和后世。
2020年9月，习近平在纪念中国人民抗日战争暨世界反法西斯战争胜利75周年座谈会上强调，“前事不忘，后事之师”，伟大抗战精神是中国人民弥足珍贵的精神财富，将永远激励中国人民克服一切艰难险阻、为实现中华民族伟大复兴而奋斗。