The three languages of politics: Who gets power.

The Three Languages of Politics is a book written by Arnold Kling. It explores the ways in which people tend to frame political discussions using three distinct “languages,” which are essentially metaphors or ways of thinking about political issues. These languages are:

1. Progressive Language: This language frames political issues as a struggle between oppressors and the oppressed. It emphasizes social justice, equality, and the need to address systemic injustices. People who use this language often focus on issues such as wealth inequality, discrimination, and the role of government in rectifying historical injustices.
2. Conservative Language: In this language, political issues are framed as a battle between civilization and barbarism. It emphasizes the importance of tradition, cultural values, and institutions that have stood the test of time. Those who employ this language tend to prioritize stability, limited government intervention, and the preservation of societal norms.
3. Libertarian Language: This language views political issues through the lens of coercion versus liberty. It emphasizes individual freedom, limited government intervention, and the belief that people should be able to make their own choices without undue influence from authorities. People who use this language are often critical of government overreach and advocate for minimal regulation.

I don’t hate this model, It’s simplistic and it is supposed to be; when I get mad at the author at how simplistic it is, I realize I’m missing the point (glaringly missing from this model is a ‘liberal’ perspective, this seems to only cover three of the four corners of the political compass), but one extension I was thinking about ways to think about the three groups. Continuing to think about this, I think one of the things that comes out of this is essentially who gets power? How are decisions made about our future?

1. Conservatives: Power is held in long-running institutions and ideas. religion, greek philosophy, enlightenment. If you want to change society, create a new broadly popular movement, and society will slowly evolve over the next 1000 years. Government is subservient to those institutions.
2. Libertarians: Power is held by those who take it. Those able to accumulate power are those most capable to wield it, and change is made mostly by “Great Men”(people). Government should stay out of the way of these people.
3. Progressives Power is held by a democratically elected government that tries and enforce things based on a current zeitgeist, rather than the influence of long held institutions, or the whims of powerful people.