Friedrich Hayek vs John Maynard Keynes on the 12 Axes
Friedrich Hayek and John Maynard Keynes were the main opponents in the twentieth-century argument over how far governments should manage the economy. Both lean toward Cooperation in foreign policy, but they part ways on Markets, where Hayek leans Free and Keynes leans Planned.
- Markets
Friedrich Hayek leans Free (+70), John Maynard Keynes leans Planned (-35): 105 points apart.
- Trade
Friedrich Hayek leans Global (-80), John Maynard Keynes leans centre (+5): 85 points apart.
- Ownership
Friedrich Hayek leans Private (+65), John Maynard Keynes leans Public (-15): 80 points apart.
- Welfare
Friedrich Hayek leans Self-reliant (+40), John Maynard Keynes leans Shared (-35): 75 points apart.
- Technology
Both lean Embrace: -15 and -20.
- Authority
Both lean Democratic: -25 and -35.
- Security
Both lean Liberty: -30 and -20.
- Religion
Both lean Secular: -10 and -25.
All 12 axes, side by side
| Axis | Friedrich Hayek | John Maynard Keynes | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| OwnershipPublic to Private | +65 | -15 | 80 |
| MarketsPlanned to Free | +70 | -35 | 105 |
| WelfareShared to Self-reliant | +40 | -35 | 75 |
| AuthorityDemocratic to Strong leader | -25 | -35 | 10 |
| SecurityLiberty to Order | -30 | -20 | 10 |
| StructureLocal to Central | -35 | +25 | 60 |
| MoralityProgressive to Traditional | -5 | -30 | 25 |
| ReligionSecular to Religious | -10 | -25 | 15 |
| TechnologyEmbrace to Caution | -15 | -20 | 5 |
| CultureMulticultural to National identity | -10 | No record | - |
| TradeGlobal to Protected | -80 | +5 | 85 |
| Foreign policyCooperation to Strength | -25 | -50 | 25 |
Scores run from -100 to +100 and come from each profile's documented positions. Closeness compares only the axes both have on record. It measures similar positions, not endorsement. How profiles work
Closer to Friedrich Hayek or John Maynard Keynes?
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How similar are Friedrich Hayek and John Maynard Keynes?
On the 11 axes where both have a documented position, their profiles are 72% close on the 12 Axes scale. They differ most on Markets, Trade, Ownership, Welfare.
Who is more economically left-wing, Friedrich Hayek or John Maynard Keynes?
John Maynard Keynes sits further toward the collective end of the Economy family (ownership, markets and welfare), by 87 points on average.
Who favours more personal liberty, Friedrich Hayek or John Maynard Keynes?
On the State family (authority, security and structure), Friedrich Hayek leans further toward liberty and checks on power, by 20 points on average.
