# History Always Out of Date explained — Saint Joan

> Chapter companion for Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw.

## What happens

This chapter discusses how history is taught with outdated perspectives and lies, using Joan of Arc as an example of how her story has been distorted by anti-Clerical, Protestant, and Roman Catholic biases over time.

## Themes in this chapter

### Historical Interpretation

The chapter explores how history is distorted by contemporary biases and lies that persist beyond their original political circumstances.

### Heresy and Sanctity

Joan's story is framed through conflicting religious lenses—anti-Clerical, Protestant, and Roman Catholic—each shaping her legacy.

## Character check-ins

### Joan of Arc

Subject of historical lies and religious distortions discussed in the chapter.

### George Washington

Mentioned as an example of historical figures taught with lies in their own time.

### Luther

Referenced in the context of the Reformation that Joan unconsciously anticipated.

## Key lines

> The truth sticks in our throats with all the sauces it is served with: it will never go down until we take it without any sauce at all.

The truth is hard to accept when it is presented with various biases; only when presented plainly can it be truly understood.

_Metaphor for how historical truth is obscured by partisan interpretations._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters/history-always-out-of-date
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saint_joan_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/saint_joan_se/chapters