When the gap between ideal and real becomes too wide, the system breaks down.
In "A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century," Barbara W. Tuchman explores the turbulent dynamics of the 14th century, emphasizing how the stark contrast between society's ideals and the realities of life led to significant upheaval. This dissonance created stress within the societal framework, ultimately contributing to systemic failures across various aspects of life, including politics and economics.
The quote, "When the gap between ideal and real becomes too wide, the system breaks down," encapsulates Tuchman's argument that an imbalance between expectation and reality can lead to chaos. As people confront the vast differences between what they hope for and what they actually experience, it becomes increasingly challenging for societal structures to hold firm, often resulting in crisis and conflict.
