Symbols and sentiments, meanings and memories are as real as rocks. They have a different quality of existence but are equally important. Dirt and stones can be enveloped in memory and meaning, in sentiment and symbol. Dirt and stones thus transformed become our lands, our homes, our countries. A human population enveloped in shared memories and meanings becomes an identity, a community, perhaps a people or nation.
Historical events can rend and tear the fabric of social life.
Conflicts and wars, massacres and famines, pestilence and plagues can cause death, destruction, and displacement. Disasters rarely are total. Stones and dirt remain. There are usually biological survivors. Individuals and populations can survive most conflicts and wars, even most genocides.