Historically we have lived in fairly anomalous times. However, we entered the nuclear age which changed a lot of things. So I’m still unsure if it’s an illusion or the new reality.
Of course when it comes to nukes the dark reality is that everyone has to be successful at not using one (because then they are all used) every single day for eternity. That seems impossible and an eventuality.
I know what you're saying but nuclear weapons have been used. There's no guarantee the use of one or two will lead to all out nuclear destruction (yes, I know the WW2 situation was unique). But if only one was detonated in war tomorrow that would be the third such use, not the first.
I don't see how it's irrelevant, it set the precedent for their use. They have been used, that's done and dusted, any use now will be the third use in war. If you think precedent is important, that's not irrelevant at all.
Of course when it comes to nukes the dark reality is that everyone has to be successful at not using one (because then they are all used) every single day for eternity. That seems impossible and an eventuality.