Political violence casts a long shadow over human history, leaving stains on our collective memory. Adrienne LaFrance from The Atlantic shares that this era of heightened tensions and polarization, the specter of such violence, looms larger than we might think. Understanding the roots, patterns, and consequences of political violence is crucial for safeguarding our democratic institutions and social fabric. By looking at violent moments in history, we see there is a delicate balance between societal forces and individual actions, and it challenges us to envision a path toward a more unified and peaceful future.