The Quiet Work of Self-Government

How politics became identity, and why seriousness—not slogans—must anchor a functioning democratic republic.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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This opinion piece explores how modern politics has shifted from being something we argue about to something we inhabit, where politics signals tribe before policy. The author argues that this has led to emotion outpacing thought, with feeling substituting for substance and slogans masquerading as conclusions. The piece calls for a return to the kind of seriousness and intellectual discipline that was once assumed in political life, where reasoning and evidence-based policymaking take priority over reactionary messaging and identity-driven politics.

Why it matters

The author warns that the danger lies not in people feeling strongly, but when emotion substitutes for substance and identity dictates thought. This can lead to a weakening of democracy, where disagreement feels existential and conspiracy theories thrive as trust erodes. The piece argues that seriousness, not just passion, is required to sustain a functioning democratic republic.

The details

The article contrasts the political traditions of figures like Russell Kirk and Daniel Patrick Moynihan, who rooted their conservatism and liberalism, respectively, in intellectual discipline, prudence, and an adherence to empirical reality. In contrast, the author argues that modern politics is increasingly shaped by performative outrage, repetition of talking points, and the comfort of certainty without proof. This has led to a public reward structure that encourages feeling over thinking, and reaction over examination.

  • The article was published on February 16, 2026.

The players

Russell Kirk

A mid-20th century thinker who helped shape modern American conservatism, rooting it in prudence, moral order, continuity and restraint rather than performative outrage.

Daniel Patrick Moynihan

A Democratic senator from New York who believed public policy must be anchored in empirical reality, warning against allowing sentiment to outrun evidence.

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The takeaway

This piece calls for a return to the kind of seriousness and intellectual discipline that was once assumed in political life, where reasoning and evidence-based policymaking take priority over reactionary messaging and identity-driven politics. It argues that the ability to think critically and exercise judgment is not confined to credentialed elites, but must be chosen by all citizens committed to sustaining a functioning democratic republic.