Frenetic Modernism

For some time now, we have been witnessing a growing accumulation of unrest in Western societies. From the Monday demonstrations in Eastern Germany in the mid-2010s, to the Gilets Jaunes movement in France, and most recently, riots in England following a knife attack on children in Southport, Northern England. The term "angry citizen" (Wutbürger) has increasingly established itself as a descriptor for the public mood in Western democracies. But what distinguishes disappointment from anger? And why are citizens’ reactions escalating into increasingly extreme forms?

Disappointment and the Seeds of Anger

One key and understandable factor is the deep disappointment many people feel towards politics. Citizens face massive societal challenges but often perceive their governments as either unwilling or incapable of addressing them effectively. A glaring example is the hesitant approach to urgently needed pension reforms. Similarly, decades of neglect in migration policy have not only made integration more difficult but have also fueled the rise of right-wing political forces across Europe.

The reality many perceive as unsatisfactory manifests in a widespread sense of discontent. This discontent often leads to politicians being voted out of office – a democratic expression of disapproval. However, discontent alone does not generate anger or hatred. To understand why we are witnessing increasingly emotional and extreme reactions, we need to look back into history.

From Feudalism to Liberalism

The French Revolution of 1789, followed by industrialization and subsequent bourgeois revolutions, marked the slow but inexorable decline of the feudal state. New forms of governance emerged, but more importantly, the mindset of the people underwent a fundamental shift.

Under the feudal order, social mobility was almost nonexistent for the majority. Being born a poor farmer meant, with rare exceptions, dying a poor farmer. Wealth, luxury, and comfortable living were reserved for a small, supposedly "God-ordained" elite. This system was deeply ingrained in the collective mentality for centuries.

The poor largely accepted the unjust social and economic conditions, partly because religion promised a reward in the afterlife for their patience and obedience in this one. Resistance was rare, and the injustice was seen as divinely sanctioned.

This historical context underscores how drastically societal expectations and people’s self-perception have evolved. As this old order dissolved and modern democracies emerged, so too did citizens’ expectations for social justice and participation. Today, anger often stems from the gap between these expectations and a reality many find disappointing.

The Revolutionary Shift: Freedom, Equality, and Brotherhood

The turn of the 19th century brought unprecedented values: freedom, equality, and brotherhood. Revolutionary upheavals transformed society. Suddenly, the idea of equality among all people became a reality, shocking in its novelty just decades earlier. The belief that everyone had a right to a fulfilling life gradually dismantled aristocratic societies, replacing them with bourgeois ones.

However, this bourgeois society was also capitalist. And while capitalism, unlike feudalism, offers immense potential for social mobility – at least in theory – it also has inherent limitations. As comedian Volker Pispers aptly put it: "In capitalism, anyone can become rich, but not everyone."

This means that societies striving for equality ultimately remain unequal. While theoretically offering opportunities for upward mobility, these opportunities are often accessible only to a few. Nevertheless, over the past two centuries, more people have gained access to these opportunities. A comparison between the lives of farmers 200 years ago and today reveals a stark transformation: no one needs to freeze in cold huts anymore, medical care is widespread, and machines have made labor more efficient and less physically taxing.

Growing Wealth and Rising Expectations

The general population has also benefited: healthcare systems, pensions, free education, paid vacations, and the introduction of the 40-hour workweek are just a few social achievements that have significantly improved our lives. In the mid-20th century, household purchasing power increased substantially. Cars, real estate, and homes became affordable for large segments of the population. More people pursued university education, leading to better-paying jobs. Wealth steadily grew – and so did expectations.

This is a critical point: with each advancement, people’s hopes and demands for a better life have increased. Arguably, there has never been a society with such high expectations for personal fulfillment, especially in Western nations. Striving for a "perfect life" – with the ideal partner, career, financial security, and personal fulfillment – has taken on almost utopian dimensions. But these expectations often go unmet, leading to disappointment.

From a Society of Hope to a Society of Disappointment

The flip side of hope is disappointment. Never before have so many people struggled to meet their expectations. This is especially true for younger generations, who harbor immense aspirations but often realize that these are unattainable. Societal developments, such as growing inequality in education, exacerbate this issue.

While education systems in many countries moved towards equality in the 1980s, we now see an increasing divide. Wealthy families send their children to private schools and elite universities, ensuring they start with significant advantages. This trend is particularly pronounced in countries like the USA, England, and France. The ideal of educational equality is becoming increasingly unattainable – a regression that heightens societal tensions.

A New Stagnation: Echoes of Feudalism

This stagnation is reminiscent of the feudal era: today, as then, being born into a wealthy family offers vastly better opportunities than being born into a working-class one. This growing inequality frustrates people deeply, as the promises of modern society remain unfulfilled.

This frustration increasingly manifests in anger and resentment. Many people, particularly the young, feel their dignity and right to opportunity are being undermined. A "shame culture" has emerged, where public discourse is fraught with tension. Emotions like pride and anger are politically exploited – whether by populist parties like the AfD or figures like Donald Trump, who position themselves as "taboo breakers" and capitalize on public frustration.

The Challenge for the Political Center

The political center faces a critical challenge: understanding that liberal societies can only thrive if the general population’s wealth and prospects improve. Yet, the 21st century brings monumental challenges: advancements in artificial intelligence, the rise of new economic powers, climate change, and the resulting migration flows.

Without long-term planning and investment, economic and social upheaval seems inevitable. The political center must find new ways to offer people realistic hopes and sustainable opportunities. Otherwise, the path to societal polarization and political extremism appears inevitable. Now is the time to invest in the future – not just materially, but also in restoring citizens’ trust.