“People of action”, a term many in business would apply to themselves, sometimes stereotype historians as dreamers, slumped inactively over dusty books. They couldn’t be more wrong. Well-read historians have an almost unique ability to get ahead of patterns before they coalesce, making wise decisions that will shape the future. “People of action” would be wise to adopt their methods.Know what can’t happenWhen confronted by a surprising problem in the present, ask: What does history tell us about what is possible in this scenario? How have events like these coalesced before?Looking to the past frees you from the conviction of the day.Borrow correct reactionsExtract people’s wise responses from the past and apply them to similar problems you face in the present.Get comfortable with novelty. Recognize that the world changes all the time; what was unbelievable yesterday could seem normal today.