The myth of rationality in situations of crisis.

How do people behave under severe pressure, when they have only minutes to make major decisions? That is a question of profound significance in the nuclear age. Stimulation, a small amount of stress, increases an individual’s ability to react rationally. However, once the tension passes a certain threshold, fear and anxiety set in and have an adverse effect. Individuals regress to conventional reaction patterns not suitable in the new situation, rather than becoming engaged in finding creative solutions. Fear of the enemy is intensified by propaganda and political pressure. Tension increases. “All or nothing” solutions become the focus. Any action begins to seem better than no action at all. The urge to act can be so strong that actions are taken even if the consequences could be disastrous.