An event of great agony is bearable only in the belief that it will bring about a better world. When it does not, as in the aftermath of another vast calamity in 1914–18, disillusion is deep and moves on to self-doubt and self-disgust. In creating a climate for pessimism, the Black Death was the equivalent of the First World War, although it took fifty years for the psychological effects to develop.
The quote reflects on the human ability to endure suffering, suggesting that significant pain is only tolerable if it is believed to lead to a better future. When such hopes are shattered, as witnessed after the devastating events of World War I, feelings of disillusionment set in, often resulting in self-doubt and self-loathing. This cyclical pattern indicates that society's optimism can erode significantly in the face of repeated tragedies.
Moreover, Tuchman draws a parallel between the psychological impact of the Black Death and that of the First World War. She argues that while the Black Death's effects took longer to surface—spanning fifty years—the two events similarly fostered a prevailing atmosphere of pessimism. This suggests that historical calamities can leave lasting scars on collective consciousness, shaping societal attitudes for generations.
