The March of Folly

Barbara Tuchman, 1984 (History, Reviews)

With America “at war” [2006] on several fronts, I was stimulated to recall this wonderful and important book by the eminent historian Barbara Tuchman. The first line says it all…

A phenomenon noticeable throughout history regardless of place or period is the pursuit by governments of policies contrary to their own interests.

Using the tale of the Trojan Horse as an archetype, she applies her thesis to the Renaissance Popes creating the conditions for the Protestant Reformation, the loss of the American Colonies by England, and America's involvement in the Vietnam War.

Still relevant after all these years, and a must read for anyone interested in political history.

Government remains the paramount area of folly because it is there that men seek power over others — only to lose it over themselves.

She is also known for Tuchman's Law explaining why we misinterpret what we see in the media and over-estimate dangers and risks:

The fact of being reported multiplies the apparent extent of any deplorable development by five to ten-fold.