The Zeitgeist of Modernism:

early modern mentality: belief in progress and the perfectibility of society through reason and science

late modern mentality: new insights into human nature and the physical universe lead to questioning of Newtonian mechanics, questioning of the primacy of reason in the human psyche, and questioning of the rules of aesthetics that had dominated art since the Renaissance

ANXIETY

 

Ambiguity:  Multiple Interpretations of a Work of Art Can Be Legitimate.
Materialism:  The Truth is not Abstract or Ideal but Concrete and Material. Legitimate Ideas Must be Verifiable.
God is Dead:  The Human Mind Has Become the New Object of Religious Veneration.
Humanity's Bleak Nature:  Mysterious, Irrational and Bestial. Our Behavior is Determined by Forces Beyond Complete Understanding or Control
Liberal Anxiety:  Instead of Creating a Utopia, Liberal Economy and Science Have Created Urban Misery, Environmental Catastrophe, World War, and the Real Chance of Civilization’s Destruction.
WISDOM

 
Skepticism:  Spurious Claims of Idealistic Political Movements about how to Perfect Society.
Moral Thought: Requires Difficult Compromises Between Irreconcilable Ideals.
Pluralism: Offering Respect to Diverse Cultures and Alternate Systems of Belief
Political Art: Offering Political Expression Artistic Legitimacy
Humility: Reclaiming the Mystery and Danger involved with the Investigation of Human Nature.
Innovation: Reinvigorating Renaissance Forms With Innovation and Experimentation