Module IV·Article I·~1 min read
Political Myth: Nation, Hero, Enemy
Myth and Modernity
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Mythology of Nationalism
Ernst Cassirer (“The Myth of the State”, 1946): modern political myths — about nation, race, leader — work just like archaic myths. They explain suffering, identify a culprit, promise salvation. The difference is that they are created consciously, technologically, for political purposes.
Every nationalist narrative includes: a golden age (past greatness), a fall (humiliation, enemies), redemption (return of greatness through unity and sacrifice). This is the classic mythological structure — rebirth through death.
Mythology of the Leader
The “great leader” is an archetypal narrative. He is not just a politician — he is the chosen one, providential, carrying the nation on his shoulders. Charismatic leadership (Weber) is a mythological construct: the leader possesses special, extraordinary qualities.
Critique through demythologization: as soon as the “great leader” loses his aura, real failures become visible. The myth protects from reality.
Question for reflection: What political myths do you accept uncritically? How can one preserve “mythological inspiration” while simultaneously maintaining critical thinking?
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