Final answer:
Livy's statement suggests that history serves as a repository of good and bad examples, providing valuable lessons and guiding us in our present and future actions. History offers both inspiration for emulation and cautionary tales to avoid repeating past errors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Livy's statement "... in history you have ... fine things to take as models, base things, rotten through and through to avoid." suggests that history provides both examples and warnings. He means that within the study of history, there are admirable actions and individuals that we should strive to emulate, and there are also negative examples from which we should learn to steer clear. This perspective aligns with the understanding that history is a complex tapestry of human actions and events, illustrating a range of behaviors and consequences.History, therefore, is not just a record of past events, but a guide for living. We can discern patterns and underlying principles that have influenced human behavior over time. By studying history with due diligence, we learn about the triumphs and failures of humanity. This learning helps us navigate the present and future more wisely, avoiding the mistakes of the past and building upon its successes.The main answer to what Livy means by his statement is that history is a critical source of learning, offering valuable lessons for both what to do and what not to do. The importance of studying history is therefore not merely academic, but practical, influencing how we engage with the world around us.