The theme of this book - the last one that Cassirer was able to complete in manuscript form before his death - is the attempt to philosophically understand the resurgence of political totalitarianism, from which he himself only escaped through emigration into exile, that is, to derive it from its causes. The book begins with an analysis of the destructive power of mythical thinking. Its structure, relationship to language, affective character, and social function are examined. Following this, Cassirer outlines the main lines of political theories from Plato to the early 19th century, and then in the final part addresses the rebirth of myth in the 20th century. Cassirer concludes that the political myth cannot be completely overcome, but can only be tamed. Philosophy can contribute to this, but not entirely.