Forgetfulness, and I would even say historical error, are essential in the creation of a nation.
Interpretation
Forgetfulness and historical errors play a crucial role in the formation of national identity.
Ernest Renan suggests that the process of nation-building is not just about remembering the past, but also involves a deliberate act of forgetting certain historical events and errors. This selective memory allows people to unite under a common identity, facilitating the creation of a cohesive national narrative that promotes solidarity and shared values, even if it means glossing over some uncomfortable truths or missteps in history.
In practice
In a discussion about national identity, one might reference Renan's thoughts on forgetfulness.
None of the miracles with which ancient histories are filled, occurred under scientific conditions. Observation never once contradicted, teaches us that miracles occur only in periods and countries in which they are believed in and before persons disposed to believe in them.
Man makes holy what he believes as he makes beautiful what he loves.
When people complain of life, it is almost always because they have asked impossible things of it.
He whom God has touched will always be a being apart: he is, whatever he may do, a stranger among men; he is marked by a sign.
Let us remember that sorrow alone is the creator of great things.
The talent of historians lies in their creating a true ensemble out of facts which are but half true.
Little fish risking everything for a piece of godhood...and not knowing heaven from hell, even when they find it.
He who can be, and therefore is, another's, and he who participates in reason enough to apprehend, but not to have, is a slave by nature.
If, indeed, a firearm were more dangerous to its possessors than to potential aggressors, would it not make sense for the government to arm all criminals, and let them accidentally shoot themselves? Is this absurd? Yes, and yet the government, of course, is arming criminals.
Human beings never think for themselves. For the most part, members of our species simply repeat what they are told - and become upset if they are exposed to any different view. The characteristic human trait is not awareness but conformity. We are stubborn, self-destructive conformists. Any other view of our species is just a self-congratulatory delusion.
Suffering is the substance of life and the root of personality, for it is only suffering that makes us persons.
There are some who lack confidence in the integrity and capacity of the people to govern themselves. To all who entertain such fears I will most respectfully say that I entertain none. If man is not capable, and is not to be trusted with the government of himself, is he to be trusted with the government of others? Who, then, will govern? The answer must be, Man - for we have no angels in the shape of men, as yet, who are willing to take charge of our political affairs.
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