Today I found a test result of a left-wing / right-wing authoritarian test called ‘political compass’ I did in 2009 which showed I am a left liberal. It is definitely true that I am left of centre but with a dislike of authority (which might just be why I feel the current decline in democracy more strongly than others, as my baseline is lower). Another reason why I am anti-authoritarianist (I detest both left-wing and right-wing authoritarianism) is that my country twice descended into totalitarianism in the 20th century – in Nazi Germany and in Stasi Germany. Never again.
I then did the same political compass test again, today (8 May 22), as I wondered if my views had changed (actually I didn’t think they had – it’s just there’s no centre any more, at least in public discourse and media). And the results are that I’m more left and like authoritarianism even less than 13 years ago, even if only by a small amount.
This compass isn’t to be taken too seriously by the way – the questions ask your agreement with certain statements, for example:
If economic globalisation is inevitable, it should primarily serve humanity rather than the interests of trans-national corporations.
But it’s not really meant to make you think – the idea is for the questions to trigger reactions in your mind, measuring feelings and prejudices rather than detailed opinions on policy. See where you land on left-wing / right-wing authoritarianism grid by taking the test here.
How to be Happy 