History is one of the best, if not the best, starting points for solving any problem. I can’t even count how many — supposedly — difficult problems I have solved by simply finding patterns and the anomalies in those patterns. Identifying these quickly comes from experience but recognizing the immense value of history is simply a decision.
You don’t have to go too far back in history most of the time as it seems most around us make the same mistakes multiple times. We have short memories. Learning from mistakes is extremely difficult, but those that can do it wield a very valuable skill.