The Dark Enlightenment: A Reactionary Intellectual Movement Advocating Inequality And Traditionalism

The Dark Enlightenment is an intellectual movement that emerged in the early 2010s as a reaction to the perceived failures of liberalism and egalitarianism. The movement’s proponents advocate for a return to traditional values, an embrace of inequality, and a rejection of modernism. The Dark Enlightenment has been described as a “reactionary force,” and its proponents have been associated with the alt-right and other far-right ideologies.

Accelerationism: Fueling Globalization and Neoliberalism

In the realm of counterculture thought, accelerationism has emerged as a peculiar and controversial ideology. Its core principles center around the belief that the acceleration of technological advancement and globalization will intensify existing social and economic contradictions, leading to a societal collapse that will pave the way for a new political order.

Accelerationists view globalization and neoliberalism as interconnected forces that have exacerbated social inequality and environmental degradation. They argue that the relentless pursuit of economic growth and the dismantling of social safety nets have created a fertile ground for political instability and social unrest.

According to accelerationists, the only way to resolve these systemic contradictions is to accelerate their progression. By embracing automation, artificial intelligence, and other transformative technologies, they believe we can amplify the crises that plague our societies, ultimately forcing a radical reordering of power dynamics.

However, the implications of accelerationism are far from clear. Critics argue that its embrace of chaos and disruption could lead to societal disintegration and authoritarianism. Proponents, on the other hand, believe that it offers a pathway to a more equitable and sustainable world, even if that path is fraught with peril.

As accelerationist ideas continue to gain traction within certain intellectual circles, it is crucial to understand their potential impact on our political and economic systems. By examining the motivations and beliefs of accelerationists, we can better assess the implications of their radical vision for the future.

The Rise of Anti-Egalitarianism

• Elitism and social Darwinism as foundations
• Critique and rejection of egalitarian values

The Rise of Anti-Egalitarianism: A Dark Enlightenment Perspective

In the realm of the Dark Enlightenment, the concept of egalitarianism has come under intense scrutiny and condemnation. Its proponents argue that the artificial construct of equality has led to a stagnant society, stifled innovation, and undermined the natural order.

Elitism and Social Darwinism as Foundations

Dark Enlightenment thinkers draw inspiration from the concept of elitism, which posits that society is naturally stratified into classes based on inherent qualities. They believe that a small group of superior individuals should be entrusted with leadership, while the rest of the population serves their purpose in the lower ranks.

Social Darwinism, a twisted application of Darwin’s theory of evolution, is another cornerstone of anti-egalitarian thought. Dark Enlightenment adherents argue that society should follow the same laws as nature, where the fittest rise to the top and the unfit are left behind. This belief fuels their rejection of social welfare programs, which they view as artificial barriers to natural selection.

Critique and Rejection of Egalitarian Values

Dark Enlightenment thinkers reject the notion of universal human worth, arguing that it has led to a culture of mediocrity and entitlement. They claim that equality of opportunity has been distorted into equality of outcome, resulting in a loss of individual responsibility and a decline in overall societal progress.

They also criticize the concept of social justice, arguing that it is a form of tyranny of the majority that stifles dissent and individualism. They believe that individual rights should be paramount, and that any attempt to impose a uniform standard of fairness is inherently unfair to those who are naturally superior.

In rejecting egalitarianism, the Dark Enlightenment embraces a worldview that is both aristocratic and meritocratic. They believe that society should be led by those who have earned it, regardless of their race, gender, or social background. The Dark Enlightenment is a reactionary force that seeks to reverse the trend towards egalitarianism, arguing that it has led to a decline in civilization.

Embracing Anti-Humanism: Beyond the Human Condition

In the enigmatic realm of the Dark Enlightenment, the human condition undergoes a profound interrogation. Traditional humanism, with its emphasis on the inviolable worth and centrality of the individual, is cast aside in favor of a more pessimistic and challenging worldview.

At the heart of this anti-humanist ethos lies a rejection of the exceptionalist status often accorded to humanity. We are not, as we have long believed, the crown of creation. Instead, we are but one species among many, subject to the same evolutionary pressures and limitations as all other living organisms.

This rejection of human exceptionalism finds expression in two distinct yet interconnected movements: posthumanism and transhumanism. Posthumanism envisages a future where technological advancements blur the boundaries between the human and the nonhuman. Transhumanism, on the other hand, advocates for the active enhancement of human capacities through genetic engineering and other interventions.

Both posthumanism and transhumanism question the sanctity of the human body and mind. They suggest that our physical and cognitive limitations are not immutable but can be overcome or transcended. In doing so, they undermine the very foundations of human self-understanding.

This anti-humanist current has profound implications for our understanding of ethics and morality. If humans are not inherently superior to other species, then our moral obligations extend beyond our own kind. We must embrace a more egalitarian and compassionate approach, recognizing the intrinsic value of all life.

Moreover, the rejection of human exceptionalism challenges the idea of progress and perfectibility. We can no longer assume that humanity has an inevitable destiny of improvement. Instead, we must grapple with the possibility of decline and even extinction.

Ultimately, embracing anti-humanism is an act of intellectual humility. It is a recognition that our understanding of the world and our place within it is incomplete and ever-evolving. It is a willingness to question our most cherished assumptions and to confront the uncomfortable truths that lie beyond the comforting confines of humanism.

The Dark Enlightenment: A Reactionary Force

The Dark Enlightenment emerges as a reactionary movement, challenging the foundations of liberalism and modernity. Its core beliefs stem from traditionalism and alt-right influences, embracing a pessimistic view of human nature and a rejection of egalitarian values.

The Dark Enlightenment finds its ideological roots in the writings of Julius Evola, a fascist philosopher who promoted a traditionalist worldview that emphasized the importance of spiritual transcendence and aristocratic values. It also draws inspiration from the alt-right, a far-right movement known for its white nationalism, anti-feminism, and anti-immigration stance.

Key figures in the Dark Enlightenment include Curtis Yarvin, also known as Mencius Moldbug, and Nick Land, a philosopher known for his accelerationist views. These thinkers reject the Enlightenment ideals of progress, reason, and humanism, arguing that they have led to a decline in Western civilization. They advocate for a return to traditional values and the reinstitution of hierarchical social structures.

Darwinian Pessimism: Embracing the Inevitability of Conflict and Suffering

Embrace the Darkness of Nature’s Struggle

The Dark Enlightenment philosophy weaves a tapestry of pessimistic beliefs about humanity’s nature, drawing inspiration from Malthusianism and social Darwinism. These unyielding principles suggest that conflict and suffering are immutable aspects of our existence, an intrinsic part of the natural order.

Malthus’s Shadow: Overpopulation and Resource Scarcity

Malthus, the prophet of scarcity, painted a grim portrait of humanity’s relentless expansion. He argued that population growth would outstrip resource availability, leading to inevitable conflict over dwindling resources. The struggle for survival becomes a constant battle, a relentless cycle of competition and deprivation.

Darwin’s Legacy: Survival of the Fittest

Building on Malthus’s ideas, social Darwinists proclaimed that only the strongest and most capable would survive and prosper. They saw human societies as battlegrounds, where the fittest individuals and groups would dominate and subjugate the weaker. This harsh view of evolution suggests that inequity is not only natural but inevitable, a consequence of the unfair distribution of power.

Conflict as Catalyst: Progress Through Struggle

Rather than advocating for peace and equality, Darwinian pessimists embrace conflict as a necessary catalyst for progress. They believe that through struggle and competition, the strong and capable will rise to the top, pushing society forward. This grim outlook paints a picture of humanity constantly at war with itself, locked in a perpetual cycle of violence and suffering.

Darwinian pessimism offers a harsh and unforgiving perspective on human nature. Instead of striving for utopian ideals, it embraces the darkness, seeing conflict and suffering as inescapable truths. While some may find solace in this acceptance of reality, others may be left yearning for a more hopeful vision of humanity’s potential. The choice is ours: do we resign ourselves to the inevitability of struggle or continue to fight for a better future?

Evolaism: A Traditionalist Fascist Philosophy

Evolaism is a reactionary ideology that emerged from the Dark Enlightenment, a movement promoting anti-egalitarianism and anti-humanism. Inspired by traditionalism and fascism, Evolaism emphasizes aristocratic values and spiritual transcendence.

Its founder, Julius Evola, rejected the Enlightenment’s progressivism and humanism, instead advocating for a return to traditional social hierarchies and spiritual authority. Evola believed that Western civilization was in a state of decline, and that only a radical transformation could save it.

Evola’s Traditionalism

Evolaism draws heavily on traditionalism, a conservative ideology that values customs, rituals, and the wisdom of the past. Traditionalists believe that society is a natural organism that should not be disrupted by modern innovations. They oppose individualism and egalitarianism, arguing that these values lead to social chaos and moral decay.

Fascist Influence

Evolaism also incorporates elements of fascism, a far-right ideology that emphasizes nationalism, militarism, and authoritarianism. Fascists believe that the state should have absolute power to control society and suppress dissent. Evola admired the strength and order of fascist regimes, but rejected their racism and totalitarianism.

Spiritual Transcendence

One of the most distinctive features of Evolaism is its emphasis on spiritual transcendence. Evola believed that the human spirit was superior to the material world. He advocated for a transcendentalist path that involved meditation, self-discipline, and the attainment of higher consciousness.

Evolaism is a reactionary ideology that seeks to restore traditional values and hierarchies. Influenced by traditionalism and fascism, it rejects progressivism and humanism, instead embracing spiritual transcendence and aristocratic ideals. Evola’s followers continue to promote his ideas today, advocating for a return to tradition and a rejection of modern values.

Hyper Traditionalism: Rejecting Modernity

• Integralism and anti-modernism as driving forces
• Opposition to secularism and individualism

Hyper Traditionalism: A Journey into the Past

Introduction:
In the ever-evolving realm of ideology, hyper traditionalism emerges as a resounding rejection of modernity’s relentless march. Champions of this philosophy seek solace in the past, longing to unravel the tapestry of societal progress and restore the values and structures that once held sway.

Integralism: A Return to Unity
Integralism, a cornerstone of hyper traditionalism, yearns for a cohesive, organic society. It seeks to integrate individuals into a larger whole, a harmonious tapestry where diverse elements are woven together in intricate balance. Integralists envision a society where religion and tradition permeate every aspect of life, providing a sacred bond that transcends individual aspirations.

Anti-Modernism: A Lament for the Lost Past
Hyper traditionalists lament the erosion of traditional values that has accompanied modernity’s relentless march. They believe that the pursuit of individualism and secularization has led to a profound loss of meaning and purpose. They yearn for a simpler time, when the boundaries of society were clearly defined and the wisdom of ancestors guided daily life.

Opposition to Secularism and Individualism
Hyper traditionalists view secularism and individualism as corrosive forces that have undermined the foundations of society. They argue that the separation of religion from public life has led to a moral vacuum, while the elevation of individual rights above collective values has fractured the bonds that once united communities. They strive to re-establish a society grounded in faith and tradition, where personal desires are subordinate to the greater good.

Conclusion:
Hyper traditionalism offers a glimpse into a past that many believe was simpler and more fulfilling. It is a philosophy that yearns for a return to societal unity, organic harmony, and the sacred bonds of tradition. While some may dismiss hyper traditionalism as a reactionary force, its proponents believe that it holds the key to restoring order and meaning in a world that has lost its way.

Integralism: A Hierarchical Order

• Traditionalism and fascism as foundational ideologies
• Advocacy for a society with strong religious values and clear hierarchies

Integralism: A Hierarchical Order in the Dark Enlightenment

Deep within the ideological landscape of the Dark Enlightenment, we encounter integralism, a philosophy that embraces both traditionalism and fascism as its foundational pillars. Integralists believe that society should be structured as a hierarchical order, permeated by strong religious values and unwavering reverence for authority.

Integralists view the modern world as having lost its way, immersed in a chaotic sea of individualism and secularism. They long for a restoration of traditional values and a return to a time when society was defined by strict social hierarchies and religious precepts. In their eyes, a hierarchical order is the key to restoring social cohesion and ensuring the survival of civilization.

The integralist vision is a far cry from the egalitarian ideals that have shaped much of Western thought. Integralists believe that some individuals are inherently superior to others, and that this superiority should be reflected in their position within society. They advocate for a meritocracy in which the most capable and virtuous individuals rise to the top, while those deemed inferior are relegated to lower strata.

Religious values play a central role in integralist philosophy. Integralists believe that society can only flourish when it is anchored in a strong faith tradition. They emphasize the importance of spiritual transcendence and the submission of individual desires to the greater good of the collective.

The integralist vision may be seen as a reaction to the perceived failures of modernity. Integralists argue that individualism has led to a fragmentation of society and a loss of shared values. They believe that a hierarchical order, rooted in traditional values and religious principles, is the only way to restore order and purpose to the human experience.

However, it is important to note that integralism shares some troubling affinities with fascism. The emphasis on hierarchy, the glorification of the state, and the suppression of dissent are all hallmarks of fascist ideology. While integralists may not explicitly embrace all aspects of fascism, their willingness to sacrifice individual freedoms in favor of social order raises concerns about the potential for authoritarianism.

Machiavellianism: The Art of Pragmatism and Deception in the Dark Enlightenment

Within the enigmatic tapestry of the Dark Enlightenment, where reactionary ideas interweave with pessimistic worldviews, we encounter Machiavellianism, a doctrine that advocates for political pragmatism and cunning. Inspired by the writings of the Italian philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, Machiavellian thinkers reject moral constraints in favor of utilitarian ends.

Realpolitik and Utilitarianism: The Ethical Frameworks of the Machiavellian

For Machiavellian Dark Enlightenment intellectuals, realpolitik and utilitarianism are the guiding ethical frameworks. They believe that the pursuit of power and the preservation of order justify any means, regardless of their moral implications. Machiavelli’s infamous maxim, “The ends justify the means,” encapsulates this pragmatic approach.

A Focus on Power and Cunning

Machiavellians emphasize the importance of power and cunning in the realm of politics. They argue that leaders should be willing to employ deception, manipulation, and even violence if necessary to achieve their goals. They believe that a strong ruler must possess the skill to outwit enemies and maintain control through any means possible.

The Rejection of Moralism

In the eyes of Machiavellian thinkers, moralism is a hindrance to effective governance. They believe that morality often impedes leaders from making the necessary sacrifices and difficult decisions required to maintain order and stability. For Machiavellian Dark Enlightenment advocates, morality is a tool that can be used or discarded as needed, depending on the circumstances.

The Importance of Deception

Machiavellians place a high value on deception. They believe that strategic use of misinformation, flattery, and manipulation can give leaders an advantage over their opponents. Machiavelli himself famously wrote, “It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.” Machiavellianism thus promotes a pragmatic and often ruthless approach to political power.

Reactionary Conservatism: Defending Tradition

In the tapestry of ideologies, reactionary conservatism stands as a bulwark against the relentless march of change. Its roots lie in traditionalism and conservatism, ideologies that venerate the wisdom of the past and its customs.

Proponents of reactionary conservatism view tradition as the bedrock of society. It provides the moral compass, the social order, and the cultural identity that bind people together. They see the rapid pace of technological, social, and cultural change as a threat to this cherished inheritance.

They resist attempts to alter the existing social hierarchy, believing that it has been established through centuries of experience and wisdom. They view institutions such as the family, religion, and the state as pillars of stability that must be protected from the corrosive effects of modernity.

Reactionary conservatives advocate for a return to traditional values and practices. They seek to reverse perceived social and cultural decline by emphasizing family values, nationalism, and religious observance. They believe that the pursuit of individual rights and freedoms has undermined the collective good and led to societal decay.

In short, reactionary conservatism is a nostalgic and defensive ideology. It seeks to preserve the values and institutions of the past, believing that they offer the best path to a stable and prosperous future. Its proponents are caretakers of tradition, standing guard against the forces of change that they perceive as a threat to the social fabric.

Spenglerism: Pessimism About Western Civilization

Osvald Spengler, a German philosopher and historian, developed a cyclical theory of history in his seminal work, The Decline of the West. According to Spengler, civilizations, like organisms, follow a predetermined and inevitable cycle of birth, growth, maturity, and decline.

Western civilization, he argued, was nearing the end of its life cycle. Spengler saw the Roman Empire as a model for the West, and its decline, marked by pessimism, cultural decay, and political instability, paralleled the signs of decline that he observed in his own time.

Spengler’s pessimism extended to the future of Western civilization. He believed that it would inevitably fall, giving way to a new civilization that would emerge from the East. Spengler’s theory, while controversial, resonates with those who see parallels between the Roman Empire and the West today.

Unnaturalness: A Rejection of Progress

Within the tapestry of the Dark Enlightenment movement, a striking thread emerges: unnaturalness. This philosophy rebels against the illusory notion of human progress and the myth of perfectibility. Rooted in anti-humanism and existentialism, it questions the very foundations of Enlightenment ideals.

Anti-humanism challenges the primacy of human reason and experience. Its adherents argue that humans are not inherently special or superior but mere cogs in the vast machinery of the universe. They reject the idea that humanity is the pinnacle of creation and advocate for a more humble, non-anthropocentric perspective.

Existentialism, on the other hand, emphasizes the absurdity of human existence. It posits that individuals are born into a meaningless world devoid of inherent purpose. In this existential void, the idea of progress becomes an empty pursuit. Progress, if any, is seen as an illusion, a desperate attempt to impose order on a fundamentally chaotic reality.

Unnaturalness embraces this existential pessimism. It acknowledges the limitations of human knowledge and the futility of striving for perfection. Progress, it argues, is a mirage that distracts us from the harsh realities of life. Instead of pursuing an unachievable ideal, unnaturalists advocate for a raw and unvarnished acceptance of humanity’s limitations.

This rejection of progress manifests in various ways within the Dark Enlightenment. It fuels a skepticism towards technological advancement, seen as a potential threat to human authenticity. It also underlies a resistance to social reform, which is often viewed as a superficial attempt to impose artificial order on an inherently flawed society.

In the end, unnaturalness offers a provocative and unsettling challenge to the optimism and idealism that have characterized much of modern thought. It reminds us that progress is a double-edged sword, that human nature is imperfect, and that the pursuit of an illusory perfection may lead us astray from the truths of our existence.