Historical myths can unite people during crises.
Evidence
What does a great empire do when faced with imminent invasion and destruction? It can rearm at home and seek allies abroad; but more cunningly it can revisit its history to forge a myth that will unite the people and carry them through to victory, a myth that will demonstrate to everyone that their country has been specially chosen by history to uphold justice and righteousness. It is what the French did in 1914 and the British in 1940. In such circumstances, history reimagined can be a very powerful weapon. — Neil MacGregor, A History of the World in 100 Objects, 1045
Categorization
- corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Neil MacGregor, A History of the World in 100 Objects, 1045
- XREF: connects to: Political divisions weaken the effectiveness of governance during crises. — Winston Churchill, A History of the English-Speaking…, 1487; The myth shapes the present while being reshaped by it. — David Ohana, David Maisel , The Origins of Israeli…, 774; Folktales can escalate into moral panics in troubled times. — Lynley Hood, A City Possessed, 77 (+4 more)
Library Connections
- Folktales can escalate into moral panics in troubled times.
#complicates(0.60) — Lynley Hood, A City Possessed, 77
Broader Connections
- The myth shapes the present while being reshaped by it.
#expands(0.70) — David Ohana, David Maisel , The Origins of Israeli…, 774 - Loss of cultural belief leads to chaos and conflict.
#expands(0.65) — Jordan B. Peterson, 12 Rules for Life An Antidote to Chaos, 84