Book review of: J. Stanley (2024). Erasing History. How Fascists Rewrite the Past to Control the Future, Atria/One Signal Publishers, New York, 256 pp.

In this book, the American philosopher and Yale University professor, Jason Stanley, explores the practice of governments manipulating the past to shape a future that aligns with their desired vision. This is a very common practice, even in democratic societies. Uncomfortable truths are erased, certain books are banned from schools, and accepted history is replaced with myths, thereby justifying the power of the governing elites. To succeed, it is necessary for these elites to ascertain that the populace is unaware of what really happened. [i] Especially in authoritarian regimes, it is important to control narratives about the past.

Studying history is dangerous. The act of examining the past from multiple vantage points gives rise to a societal depiction that is characterized by historical plurality, diversity, and openness to reinterpretation. These reinterpretations, in turn, give rise to novel perspectives that serve to augment the historical plurality that is already extant. Within democratic societies, this plurality serves to nurture principles of equality, collective reflection, and the acceptance of a multitude of historical narratives. Each of these narratives offers a distinct perspective on truth and reality, thereby contributing to a rich tapestry of historical understanding. Conversely, within authoritarian states, history is often simplified and mythologized into a single, overarching narrative, serving to justify the supremacy of specific social groups or segments.

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