In other words, it is almost impossible for us to formulate or act on a real-time and real-life basis from a historical perspective. In a striking parallel to the messy workings of our body and our brain, the details of history are always messy—far less coherent and purposeful than what was written down by historians.35 What may look in retrospect like farsighted, wise actions may be experienced in real time as utter confusion and wrenching dislocation. What leads a civilization on a path of stagnation may have been hailed by its contemporaries as the dawn of everlasting peace and prosperity.
