Excellent point!
You also mentioned genealogy. I think that understanding your family history -- and not just the names -- gives you a better appreciation of who you are and, more importantly, the blessings you have. I know that many of my ancestors took huge risks and endured many hardships. As a result, I have the life I have today.
Genealogy as well as knowing some of your family history gives you a great sense of continuity with the past. For instance some times I look at my house and realize that some of the money used to build our house came from family property that had been sold years ago. Sometimes I wonder how many generations have contributed to the house that I call home. The money that went into building our house represents the work and sacrifice of many generations who worked and passed land onto their children.
Knowing our family history sure gives us a sense of appreciation for all we have today. Each generation stands of the shoulders of the previous generation.