First, I do appreciate the essay.

One problem is that when it has come to the unavoidable problem of how society ought to be governed, it has always come down to a matter of beliefs, anyway.

Also, when an approach to governance fails (as Liberalism is failing) due to its conceptual and practical inadequacies’ being exposed and there is no new alternative in sight, people turn against 'higher thought' in general and look backwards to seek solace.

Here is one possible way forward: "A New Liberalism" (here in Medium, but not — for the benefit of any 'guest readers' — behind the paywall).