The article discusses the socio-political atmosphere created by Donald Trump, which is described as a 'pagan' environment akin to ancient Rome. This culture celebrates traits such as power, manliness, and ego, resonating with narcissistic tendencies. Author Tom Holland reflects on how this pagan ethos seduces individuals by glorifying brutality and competitiveness, distancing itself from compassion and humility. Such an environment fosters a callousness towards cruelty, drawing parallels with ancient times where exploitation was commonplace. This landscape, marked by a lack of moral sensitivity, raises concerns about its impact on society today.
The pagan ethos has always appealed to grandiose male narcissists because it gives them permission to grab whatever they want. This ethos encourages egotists to puff themselves up and boast in a way they find urgently satisfying; self-love is the only form of love they know.
The pagan culture is seductive because it lures you with images of heroism, might, and glory. Think of Achilles slaughtering his enemies before the walls of Troy.
This is a really terrifyingly alien world, and the more you look at it, the more you realize that it is built on systematic exploitation.
There is a callous tolerance of cruelty. Holland became more appalled by those ancient pagans... this world that is unspeakably cruel to our way of thinking.
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