The passage discusses the contributions of Charles Taylor's book *Modern Social Imaginaries* to the understanding of modern Western social imaginary. Taylor traces the development of this imaginary, highlighting the influence of natural law theories by Grotius and Locke, which introduced new concepts of rights, equality, and political legitimacy. He identifies three essential forms of social self-understanding: the economy, the public sphere, and democratic self-rule. Taylor argues that these forms have shaped modern society, leading to a more complex view of society and the role of public opinion in government legitimation. The book also explores the secular nature of modernity, where religion plays a different role compared to pre-modern times, and emphasizes the importance of founding stories in establishing new orders. Taylor's work is praised for its subtlety, complexity, and contribution to political philosophy, particularly in revealing the differences in modern Western political cultures and the need for mutual understanding.The passage discusses the contributions of Charles Taylor's book *Modern Social Imaginaries* to the understanding of modern Western social imaginary. Taylor traces the development of this imaginary, highlighting the influence of natural law theories by Grotius and Locke, which introduced new concepts of rights, equality, and political legitimacy. He identifies three essential forms of social self-understanding: the economy, the public sphere, and democratic self-rule. Taylor argues that these forms have shaped modern society, leading to a more complex view of society and the role of public opinion in government legitimation. The book also explores the secular nature of modernity, where religion plays a different role compared to pre-modern times, and emphasizes the importance of founding stories in establishing new orders. Taylor's work is praised for its subtlety, complexity, and contribution to political philosophy, particularly in revealing the differences in modern Western political cultures and the need for mutual understanding.