Protest directed at persons and circumscribed grievances should be distinguished from revolutionary behaviour having the aim of changing the conditions of life as a whole. Political activity should be examined with regard to the structures of the mental apparatus (and the combinations of such structures) that are involved. A well-reflected relationship to his own value-system is required of the analyst in order to avoid faulty evaluation. The paths of history cannot be immediately understood as 'rational' progress in the accepted sense of rationality; seemingly confused aims and regressive patterns of behaviour may lead to new interpretations of social reality.