The 14th century was characterized by chaos and turmoil, leading some historians to argue that the era was marked by insanity. Barbara W. Tuchman, in her book "A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century," reflects on the notion of sanity through the lens of self-interest as described by historian Jules Michelet. He suggested that if acting in enlightened self-interest defines rational behavior, then the actions and events of the 14th century reveal a time deeply entrenched in madness.

This period was rife with crises, including the Black Death, wars, and social upheaval, prompting a reevaluation of the rationality of individuals and society as a whole. Tuchman's examination highlights the complexities of human behavior during times of extreme distress, suggesting that the 14th century, with its overwhelming challenges, blurred the lines of sanity and rationality.