The end of the egos:
"WE!" are the social glue

The age of the egotists is coming to an end. In times of crisis, there is no more room for egotists. The latest BAT Value Study by futurologist Horst W. Opaschowski has a clear message: Germans are turning away from excess and mismanagement. They want honourable businessmen and honest politicians who "keep their election promises" (90%). What is needed is a new civic sense of unity, more cohesion - not only at times of a football World Cup, but also in business, politics, media and culture.
"There is less and less room for selfishness in our society. We need to stick together more," say 88 per cent of the population. These are the findings of a comprehensive study on changing values conducted by the BAT Foundation for Future Studies, which was presented today in Hamburg by the Foundation's Scientific Director, Prof Dr Horst W. Opaschowski. A representative sample of 2,000 people aged 14 and over were asked about their value orientations and lifestyle habits. The study "WIR! Warum Ichlinge keine Zukunft mehr haben" is also being published in bookshops (Murmann Verlag, Hamburg).

With security - more freedom:
Changing life priorities in times of crisis

"In these ongoing times of crisis, people want to live securely and provide for their future in two ways: they are looking for material security and social security at the same time, even if they have to accept a loss of personal freedom and independence," says Professor Opaschowski, the author of the study. Security (80%) is now more important than freedom (64%). The need for protection is increasingly taking centre stage in people's lives. And the desire for security is growing (1995: 49% - 2010: 80%). A fundamental change in attitude in times of prosperity.
As a fundamental human right, freedom is "inviolable". "The Basic Law's postulate of freedom is increasingly reaching its limits when the basic security of large sections of the population and the protection of their privacy are no longer guaranteed," says Prof Dr Opaschowski. "The change in attitudes among the population is of an existential nature. Behind this is the fear of a society without social security - without a secure income, without a secure job and without a secure pension. Answers to the question 'How are we going to live in the future?' are more open than ever." If basic services and a secure existence can no longer be guaranteed, then precarious living conditions will spread. Certainty about the future dwindles; the gain in freedom turns into a loss of security.
The constitution guarantees every citizen freedom as a fundamental right "in the name of the people". But in uncertain times, it will also have to "guarantee" more security. A liberal society must also be able to be a society characterised by solidarity. With security - more freedom! That is the new guiding principle of life. Foundation Director Opaschowski: "We are living in a continuing crisis reality. In the midst of financial, economic and environmental crises, Germans are looking for security."
Even among the younger generation, a fundamental change in attitude can be observed in times of uncertainty. Only every second young person up to the age of 34 attaches particular importance to "feeling free" in life (49%). By contrast, three quarters of 14 to 34-year-olds consider "a secure income" (75%) much more important. Fewer and fewer people can and want to afford a sense of freedom if their livelihood is not secure at the same time. Under ongoing crisis conditions, the relationship between freedom and security must be redefined.
"Because society and politics can no longer provide sufficient protection and security, the hunger for security is becoming greater than the thirst for freedom," says Professor Opaschowski. "Previously, the maxim was 'liberty, equality, fraternity' and 'unity and justice and freedom'. The new maxim of life is: 'Security through community'. Everyone has to help themselves again and at the same time let others help them."
German citizens want politicians to take more responsibility for their well-being, a kind of guarantee for social security. And that means: job security. Income security. Financial security. Health security. Security of supply. This has nothing to do with excessive demands for security. Citizens fear for their existence. It is not freedom that is a victim of the crisis, but security. Without security, freedom becomes obsolete.

Human trust is growing again:
The most important currency for the future

German citizens trust politics less and less - but trust themselves and others more and more. It is no coincidence that self-confidence (70%) and trust (60%) are now among the most important educational goals in Germany, followed only secondarily by qualities such as assertiveness (54%) and the ability to take criticism (49%). Opaschowski: "Trust is regarded as the driving force of social life. Intact social relationships can be more important for personal well-being than material goods. This gives us hope for the future."
The prosocial dominates. When comparing the educational goals over time, one can speak of an unstoppable rise of honesty in the last three decades: From 4th place (1982) to 3rd priority (1996) to the No. 1 educational goal (2010). For 83 per cent of the population, honesty has become the most important educational goal in life.
Trust in fellow human beings (2000: 36% - 2008: 49% - 2010: 56%) is growing again. The majority of the population is now convinced that people can be trusted. It has been proven that trust also increases the potential for public spirit and community spirit. Every society needs a minimum level of trust for social cohesion - in interpersonal relationships as well as in politics, in global economic and trade relations and in working and business life: From employee motivation to customer loyalty. Trust is also, and especially, indispensable when it comes to maintaining personal contact with family and friends, neighbours and social networks.

Particularly important educational goals" are mentioned:

	1982	1996	2000	2010
1	Self-confidence	Self-confidence	Honesty	Honesty
2	Independence	Independence	Independence	Reliability
3	Joie de vivre	Honesty	Self-confidence	Helpfulness
4	Honesty	Joie de vivre	Joie de vivre	Self-confidence
5	Open minded.	Contact ability	Open minded.	Independence
6	Contact ability	Open minded.	Contact ability	Decency
7	Cheerfulness	Duty fulfilment	Cheerfulness	Responsibility
8	Tolerance	Diligence	Diligence	Diligence
9	Critical faculties	Cheerfulness	Politeness	Justice
10	Consideration	Politeness	Tolerance	Trust

Representative surveys of 2,000 people aged 14 and over in Germany in 1982, 1996, 2000 and 2010

From I to We: The new cohesion:
Ichlings no longer have a future

The Basic Law primarily mentions individual basic rights, but only a few social obligations such as 'property obliges'. First and foremost, every individual should be able to freely develop their ego and personality. The 'we' is not treated with such privilege, which is why social justice has been in danger of falling by the wayside in recent years. This is also reflected in the regular research analyses and forecasts conducted by the Foundation for Future Studies over the last two decades.
We have an experience inflation behind us that was driven by ever more and excessive increases in consumption: 'leisure fun' and 'travel hunger', 'experience culture' and 'mega events'. Caught up in the circle of consumption and curiosity, a 'born-to-shop generation' was in danger of falling into the 'prosperity trap' and living beyond their means.

The experiences from 11 September 2001 to the financial and economic crisis brought about a turning point in the thinking and attitudes of German citizens: the culture of fun is giving way to a new seriousness. In times of crisis, there is no more room for egotists. The age of egos is coming to an end. An era of sustainability is beginning - also and especially in interpersonal relationships. Consistency is replacing arbitrariness and modesty is back in demand. German citizens are moving closer together and are largely in agreement: "We need to stick together more" (men: 85% - women: 90%).
Across all professional, age and social strata, there is a growing conviction that people need to be able to rely on each other in difficult times. Opaschowski: "In times of prosperity, everyone can live out their ego. But when prosperity stagnates or even declines across the board, people want to know less and less about the cult of the ego. They want more human warmth in their dealings with one another. As has always been the case in times of economic and social crises, moving closer together is replacing drifting apart."
A comparison of recent years shows a clear shift in the everyday behaviour of the German population from "I" to "we". The social dimension of personal behaviour is becoming more important. Activities "for oneself alone" are becoming less important. Being together with a partner (+10 percentage points) and with children and family (+10) is more important for personal well-being. This also includes maintaining contact with neighbours (+15). Opaschowski: "The trend is clear: away from the cult of the ego - towards social well-being in communication with others. The 'I' needs the 'we'." A sense of self and responsibility are equally in demand. The "I" realises itself in the "We" and relies on the "3 Vs": trust, responsibility and reliability.

The new desire for family:
The family becomes the most reliable life insurance

Familiar and reliable in every life situation: that is the family in the 21st century. This positive assessment of the population seems to be almost impossible to increase. 90 per cent of Germans "swear by" the family, saying: "Whatever comes our way. For me, family is and remains the most important thing in life." The young generation of 14 to 34-year-olds also agree with the hymn of the family with 86 per cent.
A new desire for family is spreading. Consumption or children is no longer a real alternative. 74 per cent of the population categorically reject the statement "My personal leisure interests are more important to me than getting married and starting a family". Instead, they see "marriage, children and family as a task worth living for". For them, family life is synonymous with a fulfilled life. The family is once again the guiding principle of life; three quarters of Germans see it as their mission in life. The reason for this is: "Taking care of your family and your children provides more personal fulfilment in the long term than if you only ever think about yourself." Professor Opaschowski, Scientific Director of the BAT Foundation: "The family obviously survives all crises and zeitgeist trends. The family, and not just financial security, is the most reliable life insurance."
Is the "second" demographic change coming? Will Germany soon no longer be running out of children? The renaissance of the family is imminent: marriage, children and family are back in fashion. The family is no longer seen as the outdated model of the 20th century. In times of crisis, the search for stability, home and homeland increases. The family - in whatever form it takes - guarantees prestige, safety and security that no prestigious profession or welfare state can offer.
The family of today and tomorrow is no longer just a place "where there are children." According to modern family research and sustainable family policy, the family is a community with strong ties in which several generations look after each other. Cohesion and security characterise family quality of life. The generations 'in' the family help each other throughout their lives. There is no better way to express trust in the future.

No assistance without consideration:
On the way to a "mutual community"

Anyone who accepts help must be prepared to provide a minimum service in return. Helpers do not want to be taken advantage of. This also and especially applies to the utilisation of state social benefits. 83 per cent of Germans expect recipients of benefits to provide services in return "for society" and to take on "charitable tasks". The principle of "I help you so that you can help me" is also gaining ground in the private sphere. Every second German citizen (52%: 14 to 24-year-olds: 58%) is of the opinion: "If I am honest, I am happy to help others, but I also expect something in return." The spectrum of personal services in return ranges from mere visits, listening and talking to each other, to regularly taking care of each other, to care and support work. Opaschowski: "The contours of a mutual community are emerging - a system of solidarity in a balance of give and take."
Perhaps solidarity in the future will simply mean more togetherness (and less selfishness). The social optimum will be pragmatic solidarisation. People will experience being dependent on one another, in which self-interest and the common good are combined and are less a question of morality or charity. "The age of the ego is coming to an end: the solitary becomes the solidary. And doing something for others is perceived as a new social wealth," says Opaschowski, the author of the new study. This is calculated helpfulness and not just do-gooderism. A willingness to help pays off - as a social dividend. The "I in the we" connects and holds the society of the future together.

"Vision of civil society":
More self-help and referendum

Many people in Germany are disappointed by the economic and social promises made by politicians. They are increasingly losing trust in the credibility of politicians and political parties because, in the opinion of the population, they are "more interested in maintaining power than in the well-being of citizens" (87%). Professor Opaschowski: "Power makes you greedy. Many things are sacrificed to maintain power - time, money, happiness and sometimes even conscience."
The consequences are foreseeable. The crisis of credibility among politicians threatens to become a crisis of confidence among voters. The proportion of voters who believe that politicians are "no longer honest" has increased dramatically (2002: 50% - 2010: 90%). A loss of trust therefore also means a loss of legitimacy for the parties and the party state.
From the population's point of view, there are only two possible solutions for how Germany can get out of the dilemma of disenchantment with politicians and the party crisis: Firstly, shift power back and hold "many more referendums" (78%). And secondly, "help yourself more and don't just leave all the problems to the state (62%). More referendums and more self-help: this is the people's concrete response to the crisis of democracy.

More informal than institutional:
Social commitment as future potential

The age of the egoist is coming to an end, as is the "entitlement society". The principle of self-help is taking root again: "Help yourself before the state helps you." And master your life on your own! Emergency (not prosperity) thinking forces people to help themselves because the welfare state is "weakening". What the welfare state has gradually taken away from citizens in terms of responsibility over the last three decades, citizens must now - if they don't want to fail - take back.
Government support for social engagement needs to be rethought: Personal assistance through "informal" engagement is demonstrably many times higher than voluntary work through "institutional" engagement.

• Only one in six German citizens (17%) is involved in club work, whereas the proportion of the population that provides personal help to friends is three times as high (55%).
• One in three people (33%) are already involved in helping their neighbours, while voluntary work in the church and community (7%) and in political parties and trade unions (2%) tends to lead a shadowy existence.

Institutional assistance is much less important in people's everyday lives than spontaneous help on their doorstep or around the corner. Opaschowski: "Many institutional commitments are linked to obligations or even peer pressure. And fewer and fewer people are getting involved in 'stopgap', 'stooge' or 'emergency nail' services." In neighbourhood help, people set their own priorities. They reward themselves. They enjoy being able to help others. Civil and civic society works.

Conclusion: "The strong are WE!"

The change in values since the seventies has become a 'change in values', which is being experienced above all by the younger generation. They are succeeding in synthesising values: ego-related self-fulfilment values from the times of prosperity from the seventies to the nineties are now being combined more with we-related social values, as they never dominated in times of economic hardship and after the war. A measured life - in a balance of give and take - is emerging. Material prosperity may be declining, the middle class may be shrinking and society may be ageing: the next generation is striving for a changed concept of values that increasingly replaces a sense of entitlement with personal contribution and consideration. The future offers hope. Everyone benefits from the new mutual community. Seen in this light, public spirit is also self-will. Because those who live a sense of community and cultivate a sense of citizenship ultimately give themselves a gift.
Are we at the dawn of a new age? Are structural, value and demographic changes leading to a fundamental change in our life goals and lifestyles? The future trend is clear: the sense of family is growing. A sense of community is returning. And the realisation is gaining ground: "The strong are WE!"

The new value study by the Foundation for Future Studies is now available in bookshops:

HORST W. OPASCHOWSKI
"WE! Why egos no longer have a future"

ISBN: 978-3-86774-104-6
Murmann publishing house
220 pages, 19,90 Euro

Also available as an audio book.