Knowing History, Spotting the Liars

March 17th, 2006 at 14:58 Björn Hallberg

Howard Zinn argues that there are two basic reasons why Americans have so often been, and still are, tricked by their leaders.

One is an absence of historical perspective. The other is an inability to think outside the boundaries of nationalism.

If we don’t know history, then we are ready meat for carnivorous politicians and the intellectuals and journalists who supply the carving knives. But if we know some history, if we know how many times presidents have lied to us, we will not be fooled again.

The lure of nationalism remains powerful.

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