Myth and History: The Legitimacy of Nations in Crafting Textbooks
Nations often alter or overlook certain historical events in order to craft a narrative that aligns with their political and cultural ideologies. Is this legitimate? Firstly, it is important to understand that historians play a crucial role in shaping the narratives presented in history textbooks, rather than nations themselves. Every culture, whether it be a nation or a broader society, relies on myth and legend to unify its people and promote a sense of identity and purpose.
Friedrich Nietzsche on Myth and Culture
Friedrich Nietzsche, in his seminal work The Birth of Tragedy, makes a compelling argument regarding the role of myth in culture. He contends that every culture that has lost its myth has also lost its healthy creativity. Nietzsche argues that myth acts as a unifying force, providing a horizon that allows a culture to cohere and thrive.
“Every culture that has lost myth has lost by the same token its natural healthy creativity. Only a horizon ringed about with myths can unify a culture. The forces of imagination and the Apollonian dream are saved only by myth from indiscriminate rambling. The images of myth must be the daemonic guardians ubiquitous but unnoticed presiding over the growth of the child’s mind and interpreting to the mature man his life and struggles.”
The Nature of History as a Fable
An oft-cited idea is that history is nothing but a "fable agreed upon." This concept was popularized by Napoleon, but it finds its roots in a 1724 essay by Bernard Le Bovier de Fontenelle, titled “L’Origine des Fables” or “Of the Origin of Fables.” In essence, this idea suggests that the stories we call history are not always based on factual truth alone. In fact, the passage from Fontenelle's work asserts that ancient history is primarily composed of fables rather than historical narratives that are meant to be taken as truth.
A quel dessein nous l’auroit-on donné pour faux? Quel auroit été cet amour des hommes pour des faussetés manifestes, ridicules? Pourquoi ne dureroit-il plus? Car les Fables des Grecs n’étoient pas comme nos Romans qu’on nous donne pour ce qu’ils sont; non, pas pour des Histoires, il n’y a point d’autres Histoires anciennes que les Fables.
Why would they have bequeathed us a mass of falsehood? What could this love of men for manifest and ridiculous falsehood have been, and why did it not last longer? For the Greek fables were not like our novels which are intended as stories and not as histories; there are no ancient histories other than these fables.
Nations and Textbooks: A Complex Picture
Nations do not write textbooks; rather, historians and educational institutions create them. The task of historians is to sift through evidence, interpret information, and construct narratives that reflect the context and understanding of the time. When a nation presents a particular perspective in its textbooks, it does so to promote a certain narrative, but not necessarily by outright lying. It is more about selection and emphasis.
The legitimacy of nations crafting textbooks lies in the broader context of mutual validation. Each country accepts the historical narratives of others, recognizing the role of interpretation and perspective in shaping our understanding of the past. While one nation's historical narrative may be more positive or favorable to itself, this does not negate its overall purpose of education and enlightenment.
The Role of Selection and Perspective
Historians and educational institutions often select certain events, figures, and narratives that align with their cultural and political goals. This selection process does not imply a deliberate act of deceit, but rather a strategic choice to present a version of history that serves a particular purpose. The legitimacy of this process arises from the fact that no absolute truth exists, and all historical narratives are interpretations based on available evidence and the perspective of the interpreter.
Reciprocity plays a significant role in maintaining the legitimacy of these narratives. Each nation recognizes the validity of other nations' interpretations, acknowledging that these are also imperfect but necessary attempts to understand our shared past. In this sense, the act of writing history is not only legitimate but also a shared responsibility that fosters a global understanding of the complexities of the human experience.
Concluding Thoughts
The nature of history and the role of nations in writing textbooks are nuanced and multifaceted. While myth and fable play a significant role in shaping cultural narratives, the legitimacy of these narratives lies in their selective nature and the broader consensus among nations. The task of historians is to provide a coherent and meaningful account of the past, and while this may sometimes involve a tilt toward a particular perspective, it does not diminish the overall purpose of education and understanding.