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The three axis model of political belief that has been published recently contributes to insight so much that I want to elaborate on it.

The first and primary axis of politics is tribalism, tradition, and religion versus the various modern oppositions, secular city workers, intellectuals and artists, and travelers. (This axis was also discussed in another publication as two components of modernism.) The pole that I name here was dominant in aboriginal bands, and it provided stability of behavior across generations. But, the crisis is that this traditional pole is irrationally motivated, and must be neutralized in order to gain a stable and advanced civilization.

The second and lesser axis is collectivism, voluntary or coerced, versus the various kinds of private power, kings, pirates, and ward heelers as well as ordinary land owners. Collectivism was overwhelmingly strong in the aboriginal hunting band, and for sound reason. The problem of civilization is to concede private power where necessary, while suppressing the destructive and unsound sort.

The third and yet lesser axis of politics is government by law versus individualists and competing organizations. The aboriginal band had enormous weight of precedence to balance against individual decisions and competing organizations. But, civilization requires scope for individual divergence and specialized organizations.

Prof. Lakoff posits just one axis, namely patriarchy versus modern organization. And, where does the psychology of fascism or Maoism fit?

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Michael J. Burns