Dark Enlightenment

The 'Dark Enlightenment,' also known as the Neo-Reactionary movement (NRx), represents a significant intellectual current that actively opposes the foundational principles of the Enlightenment. It is fundamentally an anti-democratic and anti-egalitarian ideology, positing that contemporary liberal society, which it derisively labels 'the Cathedral,' has led to societal decay. Proponents advocate for a radical departure from current governance, favoring a return to what they perceive as more stable, traditional societal constructs.

This includes a strong preference for absolute monarchism and cameralism, systems where power is highly centralized and the state plays a dominant role in economic and social affairs. The movement's core tenet is a rejection of progressivism and egalitarianism, viewing them as detrimental forces that undermine Western civilization and individual liberty, as they define it.

The intellectual scaffolding of the 'Dark Enlightenment' began to take shape in the late 2000s, primarily through the writings of Curtis Yarvin. His work laid the groundwork for a critique of democracy and a vision for alternative political structures. Nick Land later elaborated on these concepts, crucially coining the term 'Dark Enlightenment' itself, which encapsulates the movement's perceived opposition to the optimistic and progressive spirit of the original Enlightenment.

The movement has also attracted attention and support from figures in technology and finance, such as venture capitalist Peter Thiel. This fusion of philosophical critique with technological and economic influence has given the 'Dark Enlightenment' a unique and, for some, concerning, trajectory.

A central concept within the 'Dark Enlightenment' is the notion of 'the Cathedral.' This term is used to personify and critique the perceived dominant institutions and narratives of modern liberal society, including academia, mainstream media, and progressive political movements. Proponents argue that 'the Cathedral' actively promotes egalitarianism and political correctness, which they view as a form of intellectual and cultural suppression. They believe these forces stifle dissent and prevent the open discussion of ideas, including those they consider to be scientifically grounded, such as scientific racism.

The movement's ultimate goal, termed 'the Synopsis,' is to dismantle 'the Cathedral' and replace it with a system that aligns with their reactionary ideals, often involving a return to hierarchical social orders.

Rather than envisioning a single, monolithic state, the 'Dark Enlightenment' often proposes a system of competing, authoritarian capitalist city-states. These entities would function akin to highly efficient, privately-run corporations, vying for citizens and resources. The emphasis is on a highly ordered, hierarchical society where individual freedoms are subordinate to the dictates of the ruling authority.

This model is seen by its proponents as a more robust and effective way to organize society, free from the perceived inefficiencies and ideological constraints of democratic governance. The idea is that this competitive environment would foster innovation and progress, albeit under strict authoritarian control, a stark contrast to the collaborative and democratic ideals of the original Enlightenment.

The 'Dark Enlightenment' has been a subject of intense debate and criticism, frequently being linked to the alt-right movement, sometimes described as its theoretical vanguard. Its ideas have been characterized as neo-fascist, with scholars like Benjamin Noys suggesting it represents an acceleration of capitalism towards a fascist endpoint. Nick Land, however, disputes this, arguing that fascism is inherently anti-capitalist, whereas he favors the ascendance of capitalist corporate power.

Historians have also drawn parallels to neofascism through Land's 'capitalist eschatology.' Despite these criticisms, the movement has found traction in certain circles, including parts of Silicon Valley and among some political figures associated with Donald Trump's administration, highlighting its enduring, albeit controversial, influence on contemporary political discourse and its challenge to established democratic norms.