“For conclusion, I say the philosopher teaches, but he teaches obscurely, so as the learned only can understand him, that is to say, he teaches that are already taught.”

Clearer Lessons Than History: History tells true events, but mixes good and bad examples. It shows that evil people succeed and good people suffer. This confuses readers about right and wrong. Poetry, however, creates ideal examples. Like Sidney, Aristotle also makes poetry superior to history through these words: 

“Poetry, therefore, is … a higher thing than history: for poetry tends to express the universal, history the particular.”

Teaching with Pleasure: Philosophy is serious and often boring. History can be dry with too many facts. But poetry makes learning enjoyable. Like sweet food hiding medicine, poetry hides lessons in beautiful stories. Jesus taught through parables, not lectures. Sidney says people remember poetic lessons longer because they are fun. Songs, dramas, and epics all teach while entertaining. This makes poetry more effective than plain facts or rules.

Superior Creativity and Ideals: History is limited to real events, and philosophy is limited to theories. But poetry creates perfect worlds. Poets imagine ideal heroes, love, and justice, and the things real life lacks. The line below contains this idea ideally.

“That imitation whereof poetry is, has the most conveniency to nature of all other;”

Based on the above discussion, Sidney proves that poetry is better than both philosophy and history. Philosophy is hard to follow, and history does not always teach clear lessons. Poetry is simple, powerful, and full of imagination. It teaches good values in a sweet and easy way. It helps people understand and feel at the same time. Poetry does not just speak to the brain; it speaks to the heart, too. That is why Sidney calls poetry the best teacher of all.