Lessons from War: Courage and Controversy

This chapter reflects on the significance of studying the Second World War, focusing on a personal encounter in Prague with the site of Operation Anthropoid, which highlights the moral complexities faced by individuals during persecution. It also examines alarming contemporary attitudes towards historical figures like Hitler and the portrayal of evil in modern media, alongside the historical narrative of George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whose rise and fall in the early 17th century illustrate the interplay of power, beauty, and public perception in a royal court. The juxtaposition of these narratives underscores the ongoing relevance of history in understanding human behavior and societal dynamics.