Julius Evola

However, we must note that in Freemasonry’s operative and initiatory period it is already possi-ble to detect a certain usurpation, in that this organization attributes to itself the Royal Art. Theinitiation connected to the arts is that which corresponds to the ancient Third Estate (the Hinducaste of the vai§ya), that is, to social strata that are hierarchically inferior to the caste of the war-riors, to whom the Royal Art legitimately belongs. Moreover, we must also note that the revolu-tionary action of modern, speculative Freemasonry is that which undermined the civilizations ofthe Second Estate and prepared, through democracies, the advent of the Third Estate. Concerningthe first point, even on the most external level one cannot help laughing at the sight of pictures ofEnglish kings who, as Masonic dignitaries, wear the apron and other signs of artisan corporations.

Julius Evola in The Mystery Of The Grail note on page 168

I have already mentioned the existence of aprimordial Nordic-Hyperborean tradition. In the peoples living at the time of the invasions we can find only fragmentary echoes and obscure memories ofsuch a traditionRead More »The primordial Nordic-Hyperborean tradition

I do not wish to dwell on my analysis of the existential problem posed by Nietzsche in any detail. After all, if Nietzsche’s definition of the problem is clear, the solutions he suggested are both hazy and dangerous – particularly in the case of his theory of the Übermensch and the will to powerRead More »Evola on Nietzsche

Guénon had argued that superior forms of knowledge ought not be pursued on a level removed from the general norms established by a positive tradition (‘exotericism’) – less still in opposition to, and in revolt against such norms. The two spheres – the exoteric sphere and the esoteric – Guénon suggested, ought to be complementary: Read More »Evola on Guénon

The first of these is to act without regard to the fruits, without being affected by the chances of success or failure, victory or defeat, winning or losing, any more than by pleasure or pain, or by the approval or disapproval of others. This form of action has also been called “action without desire.” The higher dimension, which is presumed to be present in oneself, manifests through the capacity to act not with less, but with more application than a normal type of man could bring to the ordinary forms of conditioned action. One can also speak here of “doing what needs to be done,” impersonally,

Evola in Ride The Tiger p. 68
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In particular, an important factor has been the mutilated character of Christianity when compared to the majority of other traditional forms; mutilated, because it does not possess an “esotericism,” an inner teaching of a metaphysical character beyond the truths and dogmas the faith offered to the common people.

Julius Evola in Ride The Tiger p. 54
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We should recall here that the term proletarian comes from the Latin proles and suggests the idea of an animalistic fertility. As Meroshkovski rightly noted, this term was applied especially to those whose only creative skill consisted of begetting children – these were men in body but eunuchs in spirit. In its logical development, this trend leads towards that “ideal” society in which there are no more classes, no men or women, but instead comrades, or asexual cells belonging to the same immense anthill.

Men Among The Ruins p. 268

Authentical political ends are mostly autonomous ones (i.e., not derived from something else): they are connected to ideas and interests different from those of peacefull living, pure economics, and physical well-being, pointing to a higher dimension of life and a separate order of dignity. This opposition between the political and the social domains is fundamental.”

Men Among The Ruins p. 124

As you may have noticed, this “blog” is pretty much filled with quotes. There are a few ideas behind them. First, in some cases I want to show you what I am currently reading, so that you may look forward to a review of the book when I finished it. Of course the quotes are also given because they appeal to me in some way. That doesn’t mean that I always (fully) agree with them, but especially in ‘extreme cases’ such as Evola or some of Guénon quotes (see below), they definately could set readers to think about certain things. That certainly is a purpose for the quotes and you may feel free to “comment” your reactions.

Indeed, right now I am reading Men Among The Ruins, the English version (2002) that became known in ‘my musical scene’ because of the involvement of Michael Moynihan and Markus Wolff. Many years ago (2002) I wrote an article about Evola, mostly on request, which result can be found in the articles section still. Earlier I had read the famous Hermetic Tradition (a subject I was very much interested in at the time). It took many more years before I read something else: Revolt Against The Modern World (about a year ago). I didn’t really intend to read Evola’s political works, but somehow I still wanted to read Men Among The Ruins, so got a copy of it afterall. I have just finished the magnificent 100 page introduction by H.T. Hansen and started with the first chapters. Hansen gives a great view on the radical, Italian thinker. Evola didn’t have too many allies while he lived and even less so when he died. Evola was not thought of highly by the Fascists (Italy) or National Socialists (Germany) for the greater part of his life, but of course ‘leftish’ thinkers hated him for being as radical as he was, alligning with Fascism (for some time) and especially, for being extremely aristocratic. The biggest problem for both: Evola looked beyond the material and aimed for the Divine. He truely was an “anarchist individualist reactionary” as Hansen ends his introduction. However still ‘not done’ in the minds of many, Evola and his ideas seem to interest a growing number of scholars, intellectuals and not-too-radical (youthfull) thinkers (the radicals of today and yesterday cannot stand Evola’s criticism towards their ideas). Many ideas of Evola are not mine, but he sure has a whole bunch of good points. Oops, can I say that in the year 2007? Hopefully a growing number of people can read that without starting to throw prejudices and are able to form a balanced view on a controversial thinker. I have tried it before (see my article), not everybody agreed that I succeeded (some said that I was trying to raise sympathy for the fascist ideas). After reading Evola’s only really political book (and in Riding The Tiger he himself called it a failure and the became apolitical), you may find in my review the thoughts I have on it.

In a certain sense, the author stands outside the disputes and divergences of commonplace politics – between fascism and antifascism, liberalism and communism, capitalism and socialism – because he refuses to let the discussion unfold on the essentially materialistic plane chosen by our adversaries.

J. Valerio Borghese in the introduction to the Italian version.

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