3 Historical Mental Models That Explain What’s Happening Now
Some historical analogies are very relevant for understanding today.
“History does not repeat itself, but it often rhymes,” is the often cited quote which best describes how history works. While each situation is unique, there are some patterns you often find happening again and again.
That’s why historical analogies are great tools to inform us on the present. They can illuminate potential courses of action, and show us the mistakes made in the past.
The 2020’s are proving to be the most turbulent decade in at least half a century. Much is at stake. Democracy is under strain from populism and authoritarianism. The environment is in deep crisis. If we don’t make the right decisions, our very survival as a species could be in play.
Sometimes, it seems as if we are lost. We shouldn’t be. History can teach us valuable lessons. We only have to be willing to listen. Here are three historical mental models you can apply to better understand what is happening today.
Apres moi, le deluge
“After me, the flood” is a remark attributed to French King Louis XV. Or maybe it was his mistress Madame Pompadour who said it. There are different versions of the story. No matter.
