The Legend That Shaped the Contemporary Era | The Myth of the Righteous War
A New Myth for an Old World
In every epoch, a narrative emerges—not just a story, but a sacred foundation—that frames the moral, political, and social landscape. The holy grail of the contemporary West, as Chad Crowley demonstrates, is the Second World War, commonly hailed as the "Good War". This myth is more than just a historical interpretation; it's a transcendental devotion that defines our era.
The myth of the "Good War" doesn't simply interpret events, it reigns as the sacred text of our modern civilization. The world we inhabit today came to be in the ashes of that conflict, and our institutions, domestic and international, trace their legitimacy back to its outcome. The values we hold dear, the beliefs we cling to, and the identity we embody—they all flow from this narrative[1].
But, this narrative isn't history; it's myth in its darkest form. It's not a noble fiction that elevates humanity; it's a twisted distortion that cages us. It has mutated into a religion. Like all religions, it influences not just beliefs, but morality, identity, and destiny[2].
Following Nietzsche, we can assert that God has not vanished, but the metaphysical architecture that once sustained Western life has crumbled. The world was left bereft, until the holy war arose, serving as a replacement for such a divine template[2]. Starting as myth, it didn't remain as such. It became the holy event of a post-Christian West, the "Passion" narrative of a secular faith[1].
In this faith, the Second World War isn't remembered as a geopolitical war, but a holy crusade. According to the myth, the war was fought to liberate the world from malevolence, intolerance, and barbarism. It was a righteous struggle against a madman intent on conquering the planet, exterminating races, and imposing totalitarianism[1]. In this tale, the Allies evolve into selfless guardians of peace and justice, protectors of the vulnerable, liberators of the oppressed, and champions of universal dignity[1].
What is left unspoken, what is hidden or dismissed, is the history of Soviet atrocities, the bombings that decimated cities, and the horrifying accounts of sexual violence[1]. These details are either omitted or minimized because the moral arc must remain inviolate, and the victors must be purified of any blemish[1]. The enemy, conversely, is transformed into a demon, not merely defeated but demonized to maintain the myth of the just cause[1].
Over time, a new devil was forged—a single man transformed into a supernatural embodiment of madness, hatred, and genocide[1]. No longer viewed as a historical figure, but as a totem of eternal sin, he is employed to silence dissent and to instill fear in those who stray from orthodoxy[1]. When one dares to question immigration policies or the plight of their own race or observes unwelcome demographic shifts, they incur his wrath. The Nazi, real or imagined, is now the relentless adversary of the modern order—not a threat to nations, but to abstract notions of equality[1].
A second foundational myth arises from the first: the myth of human equality. This myth posits that all individuals are equal not only in dignity under the law or before God, but in cognitive ability, temperament, moral sense, and creative potential[1]. Race, sex, culture, and nation are dismissed as constructs or obstacles, and any observable differences are explained by oppression[1]. This myth is not presented as an aspirational goal or a moral principle, but as an absolute truth, one that demands unwavering faith even in the face of contradictory evidence[1].
These two myths support each other in a self-sustaining loop. The myth of the "Good War" serves as moral justification for the myth of human equality, while the myth of equality provides contemporary significance to the memory of the war[1]. These myths legitimize the current regime, one in which the Second World War is not treated as a geopolitical conflict, but as a sacred battle[1].
However, the reality is less idealistic. The war was not a global moral epiphany, but an imperial clash, the continuation of unresolved struggles from the previous century, and the culmination of a European civil war, characterized by extreme brutality[1]. The causes of the war lie in diplomatic treachery, ideological extremism, and territorial ambition. Its consequences were not peace and freedom, but division, famine, occupation, and the enslavement of half of Europe under a new tyranny[1].
In the post-war decades, the peoples of Europe and their descendants abroad were encouraged to cast aside their heritage, to apologize for it[1]. Every expression of loyalty to tradition, to ancestry, to historical continuity, has been denounced as dangerous[1]. Every appeal to order, hierarchy, or cultural memory is met with suspicions of an impending resurgence of tyranny[1]. The myth, rather than offering protection and inspiration, punishes and stifles[1].
It's time to shatter these restrictive narratives. Instead of dwelling on the past, or denying it, we must embark on a path of creation. We must reclaim a sense of identity and purpose, one built upon historical understanding and cultural awareness, with the aim of revitalizing our communities and challenging the status quo. A world unburdened by myths cannot progress, but through new myths, we can begin to envision a future that transcends the constraints of the past.
We need myths that celebrate resilience and restoration, that foster pride in our unique heritage, and that inspire us to challenge the boundaries of what is possible. We need myths that allow us to remember who we were, in order to dream of who we could become.
Image: Pictures That Defined WWII Gallery Source: https://www.history.com/articles/world-war-ii-iconic-photos
Source: https://chadcrowley.substack.com/p/the-myth-that-made-the-modern-world
Original Article: https://www.lewrockwell.com/2025/06/no_author/the-myth-that-made-the-modern-world/
In the realm of modern discourse, various articles delve into the impact of war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news, often revealing the intertwined narratives that shape our society. For instance, the myth of the "Good War," while revered as a sacred text, is criticized for its distortion of historical facts and its influence on our beliefs, morality, and identity.
Articles on freedom often propose that we must challenge restrictive narratives, particularly those relating to the past, and create new ones that inspire unity, pride in our heritage, and a vision for the future. Such narratives could help revitalize our communities and question the status quo.
As for the truth, it's crucial to approach historical accounts with open minds, recognizing that many stories have been shaped by politics and mythology. It's essential to explore diverse perspectives, uncover hidden details, and resist the tendency to deify or demonize historical figures, fostering an appreciation for the complexities of our past.
