Story perspectives

Woke Progressivism: A Modern Threat to Democracy?

10/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Daniel J. Mahoney, author of The Persistence of the Ideological Lie, argues that contemporary 'woke' progressivism shares similarities with past totalitarian movements and divides society into oppressors and oppressed.
Mahoney warns that ideological fanaticism arises from denying a natural moral order, leading to violence and repression.
Mahoney uses history to argue for understanding human nature, respecting traditional institutions, and returning to moderate, non-ideological politics to preserve liberal democracy.

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Story summary

Daniel J. Mahoney, author of The Persistence of the Ideological Lie, argues that contemporary 'woke' progressivism shares similarities with past totalitarian movements and divides society into oppressors and oppressed.
Mahoney warns that ideological fanaticism arises from denying a natural moral order, leading to violence and repression.
Mahoney uses history to argue for understanding human nature, respecting traditional institutions, and returning to moderate, non-ideological politics to preserve liberal democracy.