Dark Enlightenment: The Emergence of Neo-Reactionary Thought
The Dark Enlightenment movement is a controversial fringe intellectual movement that provides a radical critique of modernity and advocacy for a return to hierarchical social structures — but is it dangerous?
The Dark Enlightenment movement, also known as Neo-Reactionary thought or the NRx movement, emerged in the early 21st century as a controversial and fringe intellectual movement. It is characterized by its critique of modernity, democracy, and egalitarianism, and it advocates for a return to traditional, hierarchical social structures (Bromma, 2013). This essay aims to explore the origins, key concepts, and criticisms of the Dark Enlightenment movement, providing a comprehensive understanding of its implications, influence, and potential political ramifications.
Origins and Influences
The Dark Enlightenment movement emerged from various online communities and blogs in the late 2000s and early 2010s (Nagle, 2017). It can be traced back to the writings of several influential figures, including Mencius Moldbug (real name Curtis Yarvin), Nick Land, and Michael Anissimov. The movement synthesizes ideas from different intellectual traditions, including libertarianism, monarchism, traditionalism, and the radical right (Main, 2017).
Key Concepts
- Critique of Modernity: The Dark Enlightenment movement is highly critical of the Enlightenment and the modern world it has produced. It posits that the ideas of democracy, egalitarianism, and liberalism have led to moral decline, societal fragmentation, and a loss of traditional values (Moldbug, 2007). The movement seeks to restore a sense of order and stability through the re-establishment of pre-modern social structures.
- Rejection of Democracy: The Dark Enlightenment critiques democracy as an inefficient and flawed political system. It argues that democratic decision-making is often swayed by ignorance, irrationality, and short-term thinking, leading to suboptimal outcomes for society (Land, 2013). Instead, the movement advocates for the establishment of a technocratic, authoritarian government, which is guided by enlightened elites.
- Hierarchy and Traditionalism: The movement places great importance on social hierarchy and traditionalism, arguing that these elements are necessary for a stable and prosperous society (Anissimov, 2013). It contends that the natural order of things involves hierarchies based on merit, intelligence, and capability. In this sense, the Dark Enlightenment is opposed to the idea of social mobility and equality, believing that they lead to chaos and disorder.
- Techno-commercialism: A significant aspect of the Dark Enlightenment thought is techno-commercialism, which emphasizes the need for technological progress and economic efficiency (Land, 2012). The movement argues that the fusion of technology and capitalism can lead to a more efficient, prosperous society under the guidance of a technocratic elite.
Criticisms and Controversy
The Dark Enlightenment movement has been widely criticized for its anti-democratic, anti-egalitarian, and reactionary views (Bromma, 2013). Critics argue that the movement’s emphasis on hierarchy and traditionalism can foster exclusionary and discriminatory practices, undermining social cohesion and tolerance (Main, 2017). Additionally, the movement’s embrace of authoritarianism and technocracy has raised concerns about the potential for abuse of power and the erosion of individual freedoms (Nagle, 2017).
One of the primary concerns related to the Dark Enlightenment movement is the possibility of a rise in technocratic fascism (Bromma, 2013). This concern stems from the movement’s advocacy for a highly centralized and authoritarian government led by a technocratic elite, which could potentially suppress dissent and undermine democratic institutions.
Related Ideologies
There is no direct left-wing equivalent to the Dark Enlightenment movement. However, there are radical leftist ideologies that critique modernity and seek alternative political systems, such as anarcho-primitivism and some strains of post-left anarchism (Zerzan, 1999; Black, 1997).
While these movements share a critical stance toward the modern world and its political structures, they differ significantly in their proposed solutions and values. Anarcho-primitivism, for instance, advocates for a return to small-scale, pre-agricultural societies and a rejection of industrialization and technology, while post-left anarchism seeks to critique and transcend traditional left-wing politics, placing a greater emphasis on individual autonomy and direct action.
The Dark Enlightenment movement, with its radical critique of modernity and advocacy for a return to hierarchical social structures, remains a controversial and fringe intellectual movement. Although its ideas have been met with significant criticism and skepticism (Bromma, 2013; Main, 2017), it serves as a thought-provoking challenge to the prevailing norms of contemporary society.
The potential political ramifications of the movement, such as the rise of technocratic fascism, warrant careful consideration and vigilance. As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of modernity, it is essential to engage with and critically examine a wide range of perspectives, including those presented by the Dark Enlightenment movement and its left-wing counterparts.
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References
Anissimov, M. (2013). A Critique of Democracy: A Guide for neoreactionaries. More Right.
Black, B. (1997). Anarchy after Leftism. CAL Press.
Bromma, B. (2013). The Worker Elite: Notes on the “Labour Aristocracy”. Kersplebedeb Publishing.
Land, N. (2012). The Dark Enlightenment. Retrieved from http://www.thedarkenlightenment.com/the-dark-enlightenment-by-nick-land/
Land, N. (2013). The Collapse of the Fact-Value Distinction. Retrieved from http://www.xenosystems.net/the-collapse-of-the-fact-value-distinction/
Main, T. J. (2017). The Rise of the Alt-Right. Brookings Institution Press.
Moldbug, M. (2007). A Formalist Manifesto. Retrieved from https://www.unqualified-reservations.org/2007/04/formalist-manifesto-originally-posted/
Nagle, A. (2017). Kill All Normies: Online Culture Wars from 4chan and Tumblr to Trump and the Alt-Right. Zero Books.
Zerzan, J. (1999). Against Civilization: Readings and Reflections. Feral House.
