Historian and documentary-maker Dan Snow has opened up about the challenges of raising children in a troubled world, revealing the 'most depressing lie' he tells his three kids. In an interview with The Times, Snow confessed that he routinely reassures his children that the world is well-managed, despite his belief that humanity is on a path to 'catastrophic civilisational collapse.'
The Lie and Its Weight
Snow, whose parents were both television journalists, said the biggest lie he has told his children is that 'the world is well-run and the risk of nuclear war and climate change is being dealt with by experts.' In reality, he believes we are heading toward disaster, but he tells his son and two daughters that everything is fine. 'The kids look at me and go, "Is everything OK? This is all fine, right?" and I say, "Yes,"' he admitted.
Family Legacy and Historical Work
Snow's family has deep ties to news and politics. His great-great-grandfather was David Lloyd George, the only Welshman to serve as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Snow has produced a documentary exploring Lloyd George's life, highlighting his rise from humble beginnings to become a pioneering social reformer and wartime leader. 'He was the first man in history to become Prime Minister without money, without connections, without royal blood,' Snow said. 'It happened at the absolute moment of greatest influence and power over the world.'
Upcoming Documentary Series
As Christopher Nolan's epic retelling of Homer's Odyssey hits cinemas, Snow is launching a two-part documentary series on his History Hit platform, retracing Odysseus's journey from Troy. The series streams this month before airing on Channel 5 on July 16. Snow's passion for history, he says, was always more drawn to 'the substructural factors, the longer history behind those moments' than the breaking news his journalist parents focused on.
Impact of the Admission
Snow's candid revelation highlights the dilemma many parents face in discussing global threats with their children. By admitting he hides the 'grotesque' realities of climate change and nuclear war, Snow underscores the difficulty of balancing honesty with the need to protect young minds from overwhelming fear. His comments have sparked discussion about how adults address existential risks with the next generation.
