1984, Knopf, NY, 11-14 of 447 pages

As an exposition of her theory that folly deserves a place at the history making table of Cruel Fate, Tuchman utilizes various examples in her introductory essay to demonstrate how people positioned to serve the “self-interest” of their nation have routinely—even relentlessly—done the opposite.

One of the most glaring examples of “the pursuit of policy contrary to self-interest,” was the fool of all outsized fools, Prince Montezuma, lord of the greatest cannibal empire every to rule under heaven and over men. Our common mythology as to the reason for Cortez’ success is based mostly on the wonder of the Spaniards, that the ruler of a civilization more technically accomplished than any they were aware of, would just throw it all away. Even though Cortez came proclaiming the falseness of the Aztec cults, Montezuma, their high priest, seemingly mistook him for a returning deity! He was alone. The Aztec military thirsted to crush the invaders. People who wonder at folly in our own time would be well-rewarded by a reading of this great lady’s final book.

Barbara Tuchman on the alien Aztec mythos:

“Aztec culture was in thrall to the gods—to bird gods, serpent gods, jaguar gods, to the rain god Tlaloc and the sun god Tezxatlipoc, who was lord of the earth’s surface, the “Tempter,” who ‘whispered ideas of savagery into the human mind.’”