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In the deep, demanding direction of gnothi seauton – on and towards which I have for both self and sociopolitical knowledge for at least a couple decades worked – in an instant of study, I more clearly recognize the admixture of national, i.e. USA, “American” and regional, i.e. “Dixie”, “the South”, “Southerner”, loyalties and identities, and even nationalities of emotions, in which I have lived and moved most of my life – if for five decades mainly as a visitor physically.

Zwei Seelen wohnen, ach, in meiner Brust,…

Two nationalities, alas, dwell in my breast…

Due to AI.

When considering “mass society”, “the masses”, it is not only the ideas, attitudes, opinions,…that each of those who are part of the mass have that is of interest and use, but the mass opinions which might be said to have them, that are important to recognize and understand.

From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 6 May 1816;
“Did you ever see a Portrait or a Statue of a great Man, without perceiving Strong Traits of Paine & Anxiety? These Furrows were all ploughed in the Countenance, by Grief. Our juvenile Oracle, Sir Edward Coke, thought that none were fit for Legislators and Magistrates, but “Sad Men”. And Who were these Sad Men? They were aged Men, who had been tossed and buffeted in the Vicissitudes of Life, forced upon profound Reflection by Grief and disappointments and taught to command their Passions & Prejudices.”
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-6595

Most I know are far from imagining that after death is nothing.

Perhaps an ultimate question is whether or not what one accomplishes in time in Time.

…aside from turning life experience into knowledge and wisdom.

Presumably – and hopefully – the subject of the final Bildungsexam.

Those for whom Henry David Thoreau is a hero rather than fellow journeyer.

It is not only an individual problem, but mainly a collective/political problem, that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

But then, when in history has any collective body been willing to recognize seriously its limitations, rather than laud itself? That too is a lesson unlearned.

Those – very many – who do not live in the realities of the ideas of History are bounded to make sense of the world for instance with psychology,.

Even primitive people are often proud.