From Enlightenment to Disillusionment

This chapter examines the shift from the 19th-century ideals of rationalism and enlightenment to the disenchantment that followed the World Wars. It discusses the emergence of the concept of the 'open society,' as defined by Karl Popper, and critiques the bureaucratic management of democracy that stifles individual passions. Additionally, it addresses the importance of foundational values in preventing societal disintegration, exploring the tension between tribalism and contemporary views on governance and community.