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The March of Folly
447 pages, 1985
Twice a winner of the Pulitzer Prize, author Barbara Tuchman now tackles the pervasive presence of folly in governments through the ages. Defining folly as the pursuit by governments of policies contrary to their own interests, despite the availability of feasible alternatives, Tuchman details four decisive turning points in history that illustrate the very heights of folly in government: the Trojan War, the breakup of the Holy See provoked by Renaissance Popes, the loss of the American colonies by Britain's George III & the USA's persistent folly in Vietnam. THE MARCH OF FOLLY brings the people, places & events of history alive for today's reader.
In The March of Folly, Barbara Tuchman explores the concept of folly, defined as the pursuit of policies contrary to self-interest. She encourages readers to look into how leaders, despite having clear evidence of the disastrous consequences, still choose to follow a path of folly.
Tuchman digs into historical examples to illustrate her point. She takes us through the fall of Troy, the Protestant secession, the American Revolution, and the Vietnam War. These examples show how folly has been a recurring theme throughout history.
The book offers a deep insight into human nature and the decision-making process. It encourages readers to research and understand why people, especially those in power, make irrational decisions that lead to their downfall.
Tuchman highlights the role of power in decision-making. She shows how those in power often ignore the advice of their subordinates and make decisions based on their own beliefs, leading to disastrous outcomes. This is a great reminder to always check and question the decisions made by those in power.
The March of Folly is a call to learn from history. Tuchman encourages readers to see the patterns of folly in history and avoid repeating them in their own lives. It's a great book for anyone looking to understand the past and make better decisions in the future.
