Klages’ theory of value synthesis claims that those people whom he calls “active realists” represent the evolutionary potential to generate a general process of value change. Realists combine high esteem for the traditional values of diligence and law and order with an equally high esteem for the ‘newer’ values of participation and self-determination. As a result, Klages’ approach contradicts the basic assumption of value theory in general: According to Parsons, Rokeach and Inglehart, the competent, rational and ‘good’ citizen is seen as an individual who is able to assign clear priorities to the diverse and contradictory range of modern values. Individuals who lack this ability are supposed to act erratic, patternless and anomic. Klages, by contrast, understands the value synthesis as an expression of a mature and competent personality. Based on a representative survey conducted in 1992, this article examines attitudes and action pre-dispositions of individuals who perform value synthesis compared to individuals who give clear priorities to certain values over other values. The empirical analyses clearly confirm the assumptions of general value theories: values function as guidelines for action only if they are organised hierarchically. Therefore, a synthesis of contradictory values leads to helplessness, fear of the future and, in particular, conformism.