Daniel Görtz is a Swedish sociologist and philosopher who earned his Ph.D. in 2015 at Lund University in Sweden His doctoral dissertation, entitled “Ethnified police practices: How ethnicity is done in police work”, was an ethnographic study of the police. In it, he examined how officers construct and use ethnic categories in routine policing. This work established Görtz as an expert in police sociology and the sociology of knowledge. He trained in traditional social science methods – in particular fieldwork and interviews – and studied under noted scholars of policing and social stratification (his supervisors were David Wästerfors and Malin Åkerström, with an external examiner from the University of Oslo)

Although originally trained in the sociology of authority and ethnicity, Görtz broadened his interests into philosophy and cultural theory soon after completing his degree. He now describes himself as a political philosopher and theorist of “metamodern” politics. In practice he divides his time between academic work, writing for a general audience, and consulting. For example, he has advised several progressive political movements and think tanks in Scandinavia (in Sweden and Denmark) as well as companies in the tech sector Görtz is a published author in both Swedish and English, and he also writes under a shared pseudonym with Danish collaborator Emil Ejner Friis.

Major Works and Ideas

Daniel Görtz
Known for	Metamodern political theory
Fields	Political sociology; social theory
Description	Sociologist focused on metamodern political sociology
Occupation	Sociologist; writer
Notable works	The Nordic Ideology
Era	21st century
Movement	Metamodernism

Görtz is best known as a leader of the so-called “Nordic school of metamodernism”. Metamodernism is a recent philosophical and cultural paradigm that seeks to go beyond postmodern skepticism by combining sincerity and idealism with critical self-awareness. In broad terms, metamodernism is often described as oscillating between modernist enthusiasm and postmodern irony – balancing hope and pragmatism, unity and pluralism Görtz has taken these ideas into the realm of politics and society, arguing that advanced economies must consciously cultivate both psychological growth and collective purpose to address twenty-first-century crises.

Under the pen name Hanzi Freinacht (a joint persona with Emil Friis), Görtz has co-authored a series of influential books that outline a vision of “political metamodernism.” The first volume, The Listening Society: A Metamodern Guide to Politics, Book One (2017), builds on his ideas about development and welfare. In this book he argues that modern welfare states have reached their limits and should evolve into what he calls a “listening society.” In a listening society, public policy would not only ensure basic material support (jobs, healthcare, security) but also deliberately nurture people’s psychological and emotional needs. Government programs might focus on education in empathy, widespread mental health support, civic dialogue, and the cultivation of meaning – treating loneliness, stress and lack of purpose as political issues on par with unemployment or housing In other words, rather than reacting only to crises, a listening society proactively develops citizens’ inner lives and complex thinking skills. Görtz writes that we now have unprecedented scientific knowledge about human development (from neuroscience to developmental psychology) and should use it to help people flourish. He invokes models like the “biopsychosocial” approach to well-being and emphasizes that politics should “insure that people are more socially and psychologically functional” in our complex world The core claim is that advancing society requires advancing individual consciousness – a meta-developmental perspective linking personal growth to collective progress.

Building on The Listening Society, the second book Nordic Ideology: A Metamodern Guide to Politics, Book Two (2019) brings these ideas into sharper political focus. Here Görtz (as Freinacht) describes the political culture of Scandinavia as a testing ground for metamodernism. He coins the term “Green Social Liberalism” to describe the ideological consensus in Nordic countries – an integration of environmentalism with the cradle-to-grave welfare state and market economy. In his view, Scandinavia has evolved so far along this path that the old Left–Right divide has largely evaporated. The major parties now compete mostly on who best represents broadly shared ideals of equality, ecological stewardship and personal freedom He argues that this “Nordic model” may give way to a new phase (“Nordic Ideology 2.0”) that goes beyond present policy. Such a meta-ideology, as Görtz sees it, would synthesize left-wing reformist goals, liberal individualism, and green pragmatism – a blend that he believes could serve as a prototype for advanced democracies worldwide.

Throughout these works, Görtz employs a characteristic metamodern lexicon. He speaks of “pragmatic idealism,” “informed naiveté,” and “magical realism” as key concepts. These terms capture the idea of holding hopeful, ambitious goals while remaining self-critical and grounded by evidence For example, he emphasizes a both/and approach to dilemmas: combining industrial progress with spiritual purpose, technology with humaneness, and systemic analysis with creative experimentation In practice he advocates deep civic engagement (for example, participatory budgeting and deliberative citizen councils), radical transparency in government, and progressive tax-and-spend policies that prioritize social and environmental goods. At the same time he rejects slogans or rigid dogmas, urging constant questioning of even these ideals.

Görtz’s work is heavily influenced by developmental psychology and stage theories of human consciousness. He often cites frameworks like Michael Commons’s Model of Hierarchical Complexity to argue that culture evolves through tiers, just as individuals do when they become more cognitively complex. In this view, the transition from modernity to postmodernity to “metamodernity” is akin to rising to the next rung of a developmental ladder In 2018 he gave a TEDx talk in Berlin on “value memes,” drawing on the work of Clare Graves and Don Beck. There he claimed that the metamodern “value meme” – characterized by integration and future-minded thinking – represents the highest stage of collective development yet seen Such ideas continually reappear in his philosophy: Nordic Ideology explicitly ties the listening society to higher stages of human growth, arguing that societies cannot solve complex global issues unless a critical mass of people reaches those stages of self-awareness In short, Görtz conceives of metamodernism not just as an aesthetic or cultural zeitgeist, but as an actual stage of societal maturation to be consciously advanced.

Aside from the Listening Society and Nordic Ideology, Görtz (again as Freinacht) has published other works in this vein. In 2022 he released 12 Commandments: For Extraordinary People to Master Ordinary Life, a kind of self-help/spiritual calendar cast in metamodern language. This book is openly modeled as a counterpoint to Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life, and it combines humor with earnest advice. It distills Freinacht’s philosophy into twelve aphorisms (e.g. “Live sincerely, ironically” or “Heal with justice”) designed to guide idealistic readers in aligning personal growth with social change The 12 Commandments book shows how Görtz can shift from systemic political theory to a more personal, poetic register – yet the underlying message is similar: cultivate depth of character alongside engagement in the world.

Görtz and his collaborators have also announced further volumes in the metamodern series. For example, the 6 Hidden Patterns of History is described as a forthcoming multivolume work on global historical trends, and other planned titles include Outcompeting Capitalism (on economics), Fractal Ethics (on moral theory) and Against the Law (on legal system reform) These teases indicate that he intends to apply metamodern insights across all areas of society. Although these works are still coming, they underline Görtz’s ambition to build a comprehensive “metamodern philosophy” for the digital age.

Method

Görtz’s approach is notably interdisciplinary. While his early academic career focused on rigorous social research, his metamodern writing moves fluidly across philosophy, neuroscience, sociology, economics and spirituality. He integrates scientific findings on brain development, psychological scaling, and complex systems with classical political theory and narrative storytelling. In practice this means a writing style that mixes factual argument with metaphors, humor and even fictional scenarios. For instance, in his books under the Freinacht name he often includes anecdotal passages, jokes, and provocative asides alongside footnoted arguments (reflecting the metamodern ethos of “sincere irony”). This was evident when the publisher joked that Hanzi Freinacht wrote The Listening Society “alone in the Alps” with poetic flourish.

Another key aspect of his method is the use of a collective persona. By co-authoring as “Hanzi Freinacht,” Görtz and Friis created a kind of archetype – part philosopher, part trickster – to present their ideas. This allowed them to be bold and creative in tone (e.g. “working and playing at the crossroads of fact and fiction”) while also maintaining scholarly rigor behind the scenes. The persona’s mythic character (self-described as living a solitary life in the Alps is a rhetorical device. In reality, Görtz remains an active academic and public intellectual.

On the research side, Görtz has also published peer-reviewed work on sociological topics. He has drawn on qualitative interviews and participant observation from his police studies to inform his understanding of modern institutions, and this empirical bent carries over into his larger theory. For example, when discussing democracy reforms or welfare policies, he cites actual Nordic political data and real legal experiments. He emphasizes evidence-based policymaking: ideas are offered as hypotheses to test, not proclamations to follow blindly. In interviews and lectures, Görtz often invites debate and further study, indicating that his “metamodern roadmap” is meant to be refined by others.

Finally, Görtz uses modern communication methods to spread his ideas. He writes for online platforms (blogs and podcasts such as the Jim Rutt Show), gives TEDx talks and academic lectures, and works with publishers and institutes (such as the Danish press Metamoderna and the Cocreation Foundation) to reach both scholarly and general audiences. This multimedia engagement reflects his belief that reshaping culture requires participating in public discourse – a decidedly pragmatic strategy for a philosopher.

Influence

As a result of this output, Görtz has become a central figure in the global metamodern movement. He is often mentioned alongside thinkers like Lene Rachel Andersen, Tomas Björkman and Ken Wilber as founding voices of “post-postmodern” thought. Within the Nordic countries he has inspired circles aiming to turn these ideas into policy. For example, a Swedish political party called Initiativet explicitly based its platform on metamodern principles, calling itself a sister-party to the Danish Alternativet (Alternative) These groups advocate policies like deliberative citizens’ assemblies and green technology in ways that echo Görtz’s proposals.

Görtz is also a co-founder of Metamoderna, an independent publishing house in Denmark, which produces books, podcasts and videos on metamodern philosophy. Through Metamoderna and related networks – such as the Finnish-Danish Cocreation Foundation – he helps shape an ecosystem of thinkers exploring developmental sociology and transpersonal values He works closely with Emil Friis (formerly a partner at the Cocreation Foundation) to organize workshops and courses on metamodern topics.

Internationally, Görtz’s ideas circulate in psychology and futures circles. For instance, he has appeared on psychology podcasts explaining how metamodernism connects to adult development theory. His metamodern writings have been translated or summarized in various languages, and journalists sometimes cite him when reporting on “post-ideological” politics. An example is when author Stephen Reid included large excerpts from Nordic Ideology in a 2019 blog post to preview its themes Academic interest is growing too: he contributed a chapter on metamodern sociology to a 2021 anthology and has been invited to speak at conferences ranging from Integral Theory gatherings to sociological seminars.

In the tech world, Görtz’s role as “in-house philosopher” at the IT company Glimworks suggests an unusual career path: he advises a Swedish startup on ethical and strategic questions, bringing his vision of the future to corporate innovation. This connection between philosophy and technology exemplifies his influence: he is a rare figure crossing academic, literary, political and business domains.

Overall, Görtz has had an impact mainly by shaping discourse. He provided a more concrete political narrative for the vague idea of metamodernism. Among young progressive intellectuals who see globalization and climate change as crises, his message of synthesizing empathy and insight into policy has resonated. Whether his specific proposals become law remains to be seen, but terms he popularized (like “listening society” or “Green Social Liberalism”) are now part of the metamodern vocabulary. He has helped legitimize the notion that the old left–right paradigm is exhausted and that a qualitatively new approach might be needed.

Critiques

Görtz’s work has drawn both praise and skepticism. Supporters admire his big-picture ambition, creative style and integration of psychology into politics. Having a clear alternative to nihilistic cynicism is refreshing to many readers. His writing is lively and often humorous, which makes complex social ideas more accessible than academic prose. Some commentators – even those not committed to metamodernism – recognize that he at least raises important questions about how to educate citizens and maintain social inclusion in the digital age.

However, critics have pointed out shortcomings. A frequent complaint is that metamodernism remains vague. Because it is a new label without strict doctrine, different writers mean slightly different things by it. Reviewers of The Listening Society noted that the book mixes lofty visions with little in the way of measurable benchmarks or policy steps, making it hard to evaluate its practical worth. Similarly, the idea of stage-development – borrowed from psychology – can seem abstract when applied to an entire society. Some social scientists argue that human development theories are controversial and that one cannot simply “graduate” nations to a higher psychological stage the way individuals do.

From a political standpoint, skeptics worry that Görtz’s proposals might appeal mainly to an already-educated elite (“creatives and idealists” as one list described his intended audience If the goal is to transform a whole society, questions arise about buy-in from ordinary voters. Critics also ask whether enough attention is paid to material factors: will talking about inner growth actually change economic inequality or international conflict? For instance, philosopher Tom Árnason (writing under a pen name) argued that focusing on sincerity and consciousness might leave too little room for addressing “coalition building” or power struggles in politics. He suggested that metamodernism can sound like wishful thinking if not grounded by realistic power analysis.

Görtz and his co-authors are aware of some of these objections. In exchange with opponents, they often stress that their ideas are offered “with sincere irony” – meaning they admit they could be wrong or need revision They emphasize that metamodernism is not a fixed creed but an experimental orientation. In interviews Görtz has responded that change of any depth requires first changing minds, and that history shows activism often precedes policy. He has invited critics to engage with the developmental evidence he cites, and has pointed to examples (like Denmark’s participatory budgets) as test cases.

Ultimately, metamodernism’s critics fear it may be more artistic manifesto than pragmatic movement. Some call for more empirical research. Others caution that talking about “collective consciousness” can sound idealistic. But among public intellectuals it remains a lively debate. Whether one views Görtz as visionary or impractical, his work undeniably pulls conversations toward long-term cultural issues.

Legacy

Although Daniel Görtz remains relatively early in his career, his contributions already mark him as a key voice in twenty-first-century social thought. His blend of sociological training and futurist speculation is unusual, and it has set a template for others attempting to fuse science and activism. If metamodernism becomes a lasting term, Görtz will be remembered as one of its architects – in particular, the advocate of a specifically Nordic variant that emphasizes sustainability and egalitarian welfare as foundations for change.

Even if the more ambitious aspects of his vision never fully materialize, some of his ideas have lasting influence. For instance, mainstream policymakers around the world have increasingly recognized mental health and social isolation as public concerns, echoing notions from The Listening Society. Discussions about a universal basic income or a “doughnut economy” (economics that serve human well-being) show convergences with Görtz’s insistence on human-centric policy. In Scandinavia especially, student groups and think-tanks have cited Nordic Ideology when arguing for deeper reforms in education and governance.

Görtz’s legacy may therefore be as much in coining useful metaphors and rallying themes as in any specific program. His work has helped shape the language – and to some extent the agenda – of a community that seeks a middle way beyond old ideologies. Time will tell whether the organizations and parties he influenced will prosper. For now, his books continue to be read by scholars of social theory and by activists looking for a hopeful narrative. In the long run, he may be judged as both a respected scholar on policing and society and as a cultural theorist who captured a yearning for meaning in an age of complexity.

Selected Works

Görtz, Daniel (2015). Ethnified Police Practices: How Ethnicity Is Done in Police Work. Ph.D. thesis, Lund University

Freinacht, Hanzi (Daniel Görtz & Emil Friis) (2017). The Listening Society: A Metamodern Guide to Politics, Book One. Copenhagen: Metamoderna.

Freinacht, Hanzi (Daniel Görtz & Emil Friis) (2019). The Nordic Ideology: A Metamodern Guide to Politics, Book Two. London: Metamoderna.

Freinacht, Hanzi (Daniel Görtz & Emil Friis) (2022). 12 Commandments: For Extraordinary People to Master Ordinary Life. Stockholm: PsykologFörlaget.

Görtz, Daniel (forthcoming). The 6 Hidden Patterns of History. (announced title; in progress)

Friis, Emil & Görtz, Daniel (forthcoming). Outcompeting Capitalism; Fractal Ethics; Against the Law. (planned metamodern volumes