Relationship gradation

Relations between people are based on the 4 cardinal passions (ambition, friendship, love, familism), each of which can have a material and a spiritual aspect. There is not a unique classification of modes and combinations in Fourier's writings.

A unimode relation involves the smallest combination, typically two people, but the bond between them can take three degrees, according to the single or compound passion felt by each. The simple unreciprocated passion:

• A has a simple (material or spiritual) passion for B, but B does not have such a passion for A,

is not counted as a real bond. Reciprocated bonds are:

1. A and B have a simple passion for each other.
2. A has a compound (both material and spiritual) passion for B, while B has a simple passion for A.
3. A and B have a compound passion for each other.

A bimode relation involves more people; it can be graded both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative degrees are:

• A has a relation with both B and C.
• A has a relation with both B and C, while B has a relation with both A and D.

• Cryptomode: The relation between A and B is open, while that between A and C or between B and D is hidden.
• Delphimode: All relations between A, B, C, and D are open.

The above unimode and bimode relationship remain at the individual level. Socialized forms of relationship involving groups are multimode. A transition to a higher degree is provided by ultramode, where an individual has a passion for all people; for example ultraphilia, ultramode friendship, manifests itself by a life devoted to continuous welfare for all people.

An omnimode relation involves huge masses of people sharing the same passion. In Civilization it happens for short moments on very rare occasions.

Back to Fourier