Arnold Kling on the Three Languages of Politics, Revisited

In *Uncivil Agreement*, Lilliana Mason examines the growing social gulf across racial, religious, and cultural lines that have come to divide neatly between the two major political parties. She argues that group identifications have altered the way people think and feel about themselves and their opponents. Even when Democrats and Republicans can agree on policy outcomes, they tend to view each other with distrust and prioritize party victory. Mason combines theory from political science and social psychology to describe this 'social' type of polarization in American politics, highlighting its impact on democracy and political engagement.

In 'The Fatal Conceit,' Friedrich Hayek refutes socialism by highlighting the limitations of human reason in designing complex societal systems. He argues that societal order and efficiency emerge from spontaneous processes and the voluntary actions of individuals within a framework of established rules, rather than from top-down planning. Hayek emphasizes the importance of respecting and understanding the spontaneous and extended order of human cooperation, and he advocates for a humble recognition of the limits of human knowledge and the wisdom embedded in evolved social traditions and market processes. The book also critiques the concept of social justice in socialist ideologies, arguing that true social justice should be understood in terms of equality of opportunities rather than equality of outcomes.

Published in 1759, 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments' is Adam Smith's first major published work, based on his lectures at Glasgow University. The book argues that morality is driven by humanity's natural sociability and the need for approval from peers, rather than by rational calculation or innate moral sense. Smith introduces key concepts such as sympathy, the impartial spectator, and the invisible hand, which explain how individuals judge the conduct and character of themselves and others. The work delves into the emotional and social aspects of human behavior, highlighting the role of emotions like pity and compassion in shaping moral sentiments and behaviors[1][3][4].

In this book, David Brooks introduces the term 'Bobo' to describe the new upper class that combines the bourgeois world of capitalist enterprise with the hippie values of the bohemian counterculture. Brooks explores the ideology, manners, and morals of this elite, discussing their shopping habits, business culture, intellectual, social, and spiritual lives. He traces the origins of this affluent educated class and contrasts their lifestyle with that of the 1950s, highlighting their unique blend of materialism and idealism. The book also examines where this Bobo elite is headed and their impact on modern society.

Martin Gurri's "The Revolt of the Public" analyzes the growing disconnect between established elites and the general public, exploring the rise of populism and anti-establishment sentiment. The book examines how the rapid dissemination of information through the internet has empowered ordinary citizens, leading to a challenge to traditional power structures. Gurri argues that the elites' inability to adapt to this changing information landscape has fueled public anger and frustration. The book's central theme is the erosion of trust in institutions and the rise of alternative sources of information and authority. Gurri's analysis offers insights into the underlying causes of political polarization and the challenges facing democratic societies in the digital age.

In 'Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging', Sebastian Junger delves into the human desire for community and belonging. Drawing from history, psychology, and anthropology, Junger examines why many individuals, including combat veterans, often feel a stronger sense of belonging in tribal or wartime environments than in modern society. He argues that the lack of community in affluent societies can lead to feelings of isolation and depression, while disasters and wars can paradoxically bring people together and foster a sense of unity. The book challenges the notion that modern society is superior to tribal societies, highlighting the benefits of egalitarianism and community found in the latter. Junger also discusses how the absence of these communal bonds can affect veterans returning from war and suggests that societal changes could help reintegrate them and improve overall societal well-being.