Pagan Traditionalism

This book, the first volume in a projected cultural history of the United States, examines the folkways of four groups of immigrants from distinct regions of Great Britain and their lasting impact on American culture. Fischer argues that these groups—Puritans, Cavaliers, Quakers, and Scotch-Irish—each contributed uniquely to the formation of modern America, influencing aspects such as education, government, gender roles, and violence. Despite most Americans not having British ancestors, these regional cultures have persisted and continue to shape national politics and societal attitudes.

In this book, Francis Fukuyama posits that human history is moving towards a state of idealized harmony through the mechanisms of liberal democracy. He argues that liberal democracy is the final form of human government, driven by two powerful forces: the logic of modern science and the struggle for recognition. Fukuyama draws on the philosophical ideas of Hegel and Kojeve, suggesting that liberal democracy meets the economic and psychological needs of humanity, including the desire for recognition and dignity. The book explores the implications of this thesis, including the potential paradox that the satisfaction of basic needs might lead to a lack of outlets for human striving and recognition.