Ask HN: Does knowing the history of a programming language or technology matter?

I had a disagreement with an experienced colleague today. I argued that following the changes and developments of a particular technology or language and learning about their history if you are new to them is helpful. It can give you an idea about why the language changed and for what reasons and the direction it was or is trying to move toward. He completely disagreed with me and asked me to name one example of where knowing about a change in the language was beneficial. I gave my answer but it didn't seem to convince him. What does HN think?