Final answer:
The statement implies that by studying history we can understand and navigate the present, as historical patterns and events inform and shape contemporary circumstances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "the present is key to the past" signifies that current events and situations are influenced by historical contexts. Understanding our history enables us to comprehend our modern world, as the patterns of behavior and outcomes observed throughout history often inform contemporary events and possibilities.
This concept supports the notion that through the study of history, not only do we gain insights into why our current society functions as it does, but we also learn how to navigate and shape the present by using lessons from the past.