The Eschatology of the Progressives, Redux

Esenberg found this, from Walter Lippmann:

...men who call themselves communists, socialists, fascists, nationalists, progressives and even liberals, are unanimous in holding that government with its instruments of coercion must by commanding the people how they should live, direct the course of civilization and fix the shape of things to come ... [T]he premises of authoritarian collectivism have become the working beliefs, the self-evident assumptions, the unquestioned axioms, not only of the revolutionary regimes. but of nearly every effort which lays claim to being enlightened, humane and progressive."

Lippman provides example, too; he does not question the motives of the Progressives--that is, he does not accuse them of malevolence.

There is no doubt that the Left--the "communists, socialists, fascists, nationalists, progressives and even liberals"--are well-meaning for the most part. They want good things for everyone, an admirable goal.

Trouble is that that 'good things for everyone' goal is unattainable and Common Men know it. No 'expert' can remedy the human condition. No 'expert' can 'fix the shape of things to come.' And we know it.

The problem is in the Eschatology.