The Nazis and the Communists were iconoclasts.
They tore down historical statues that offended them, using a narrative of oppression as a justification. They changed the names of streets and cities and nations to sever themselves from history because they feared history as it is – which did not suit their narrative. This iconoclasm was also imbedded into their books and the education of their children – who were encouraged to express hatred for those who held to a different historiography.
As Mises pointed out in 1922 – and as subsequent history has borne out – those who embrace economic egalitarianism and interventionism cannot build. They can only destroy.
Instead of repairing the decrepit roads in New Orleans, the impotent and ignorant city government renames them.
This is why our culture doesn’t produce cathedrals and frescoes and Bach, but rather ugly box buildings, piles of painted bicycles, and Cardi B.
And, of course, denuded pedestals.
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