Nations can create a sense of unity among people who do not know each other personally. This concept contrasts with smaller social groups like families and clans. The notion of the "noble lie," introduced by Plato, serves as a unifying story or myth for a community. An example includes the myth of metals in Athens, which categorized citizens into classes. Such noble lies manifest in historical narratives, shaping national identity through simplified, often idealized portrayals of events and figures.
Plato's philosophy emphasized that all humans should pursue truth, but he made an exception for one story: the "noble lie," which unites a people through myth.
In Plato's Athens, the "myth of the metals" categorized citizens into three classes: Gold, Silver, and Bronze, paralleling a person's head, heart, and body.
Noble lies persist today in historical narratives, such as the notion that Britain alone defeated the Nazis or that Pilgrim Fathers were entirely virtuous.
Nationalist leaders like Napoleon and Mandela are often depicted as perfect figures, illustrating how noble lies shape the identity and unity of nations.
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