The Graveyard of Destructive Ideas | RealClearPolitics
RealClearPolitics
by Victor Davis Hanson, American GreatnessFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The article "The Graveyard of Destructive Ideas" explores how dominant elite ideas can硬化 into dogmas, stifling dissent and leading institutions to fall in line with flawed ideologies. When reality eventually intervenes, these once-accepted notions begin to crumble, often after causing significant damage. The piece highlights the dangers of rigid thinking and the importance of questioning authority, especially within political systems.
The article suggests that destructive ideas take root when they are uncritically accepted by influential groups, creating echo chambers where dissent is marginalized or punished. Institutions, fearing pushback or reputational harm, tend to align with these dogmas rather than challenge them. Over time, these ideas become entrenched, leading to a disconnect between theory and practice, ultimately resulting in failure or collapse when reality contradicts the dominant narrative.
The piece emphasizes that such ideologies often lead to institutional decay and political dysfunction. By examining historical examples of similar collapses, the article underscores the cyclical nature of these phenomena—how they emerge, dominate, and eventually fail due to their disconnect from practical realities. This pattern, it argues, serves as a cautionary tale for modern institutions and leaders.
The article’s relevance lies in its timely reminder about the fragility of political systems and the importance of fostering resilience against dogmatic thinking. For readers interested in politics, it offers insights into how ideologies can硬化 into dangerous orthodoxies and why maintaining open discourse and adaptability is crucial for avoiding such traps. Ultimately, the piece serves as a call to remain vigilant against complacency and to prioritize critical evaluation over blind adherence to any single idea or ideology.
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Originally published on RealClearPolitics on 2/24/2026