Symbols are inventions of the left brain, creations of the conscious mind that are motivated, energized by the contents of the unconscious. Humans kill in order to externalize their own fear of death. After the fact humans invent explanations and justifications like "god" or "nation" or "flag," or "liberty" as reasons for their murderous behavior. An honest penetration into the contents of the unconscious is terrifying, so analysts and theoreticians provide linguistic "cover" for the unacceptable impulses of human beings. Humans don't kill for a symbol like democracy, they kill to induce fear of death in the victim so that the murderer doesn't have to feel it. After the act they say they did out of devotion to the nation.

Star Man