Thanks for that interesting firsthand perspective on Scruton. I wouldn't have thought to posit an inferiority complex. It may be academic philosophers generally who suffer from it--that and a dash of science envy.

I agree that the dichotomy between the political left and the right is annoying. My take on politics comes from left field (no pun intended), as I deconstruct both sides from a more "radical," existential stance. The radicals are called "far left" or "far right" to try to fit them into the spectrum or dichotomy metaphor.

Certainly, we should begin with the humility you suggest. I think that takes us to secular humanism in opposition to the myopic arrogance of animality.

Yes, that's another dichotomy, but as simplistic as it might be, I think it explains more than the tired categories of liberalism and conservatism. This is because the relations between humanism and animalism are more easily naturalized. To see so-called liberals and conservatives in the long view of the rise of humanist pride and enlightenment from animalistic dominance hierarchies is precisely to view politics with more existential humility.