Julius Evola's Political Theory: Principles of the True State
Julius Evola, an influential and controversial thinker of the 20th century, proposed a unique political theory. His ideas challenge modern political doctrines, promoting hierarchical principles and strong leadership.
Evola's theory emphasizes a society based on higher spiritual values. This blog examines the core aspects of Evola's political theory. We explore his critique of Nazism and Fascism from a right-wing perspective.
Additionally, we discuss the fundamental principles Evola believed the true state should embody. Through this analysis, we understand Evola's vision of a society transcending materialistic politics. He offers a framework rooted in timeless ideals and moral fortitude.
What is Julius Evola's Political Theory?
Julius Evola's political theory centers around the idea of a true state, which he believes should be anti-democratic, anti-socialist, and anti-capitalist.
He advocates for a hierarchical society guided by higher ideals and values. Evola emphasizes the importance of strong, authoritative leadership, often embodied in a monarchy. His theory rejects the modern focus on economic concerns and instead promotes a society based on moral and spiritual values.
Evola's vision includes a legal dictatorship for emergencies, decentralization, and the primacy of the state over individual or group interests.
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What allows him to criticize both Nazism and Fascism "from the right"?
Evola criticizes both Nazism and Fascism "from the right" because he believes they do not fully embody the principles of a true state. While he shares some authoritarian and hierarchical views with these movements, he finds them lacking in several key areas:
Nazism: Evola criticizes Nazism for its focus on race and biological determinism. He believes that defining the state based on racial purity is a naturalistic and limited approach. Instead, Evola argues for a state defined by higher ideals and spiritual values.
Fascism: Evola finds Fascism insufficient because of its tendency towards totalitarianism and mass mobilization. He opposes the idea of a totalitarian state that intrudes excessively into private life and emphasizes economic and political concerns over higher principles.
Evola's critiques stem from his belief that both Nazism and Fascism fail to fully transcend economic, racial, and populist concerns. He argues for a more spiritually oriented and hierarchically structured state.
"A society that has lost its connection with its historical and spiritual traditions is a society in decline."
Reference: Julius Evola, Revolt Against the Modern World (Inner Traditions, 1995), p. 11.
What principles does he think the True State should embody?
Evola's true state should embody the following principles:
Anti-Democracy and Anti-Socialism: Rejects egalitarianism and promotes a hierarchical society.
Anti-Capitalism: Opposes the focus on material wealth and economic gain.
Anti-Communism: Rejects the leveling effect and collective equality of communism.
Authority and Sovereignty: Advocates for a monarchy that embodies supreme authority and higher values.
Legal Dictatorship: Supports temporary dictatorial powers in emergencies within a legal framework.
State First: The state is primary, defined by higher ideals rather than natural or contractual factors.
Anti-Totalitarianism: Promotes decentralization and partial autonomy while maintaining unity.
Against Parliamentary Democracy: Rejects party politics and parliamentary debates, favoring a unified, high-ideal government.
Against Majority Rule: Believes only the most capable individuals should have a say in governance.
Party as an Order: Political parties should transform into noble orders after gaining power.
Anti-Economism: Economic concerns should not dominate political decisions.
Against Class Division: Abolishes trade unions and class warfare, promoting unity and loyalty to the state.
True Justice: Justice should serve all classes fairly, not just the lower classes.
Hierarchical Society: Recognizes and respects different levels of value and ability.
Balance of Public and Private Life: Maintains individual autonomy and responsibility, preventing totalitarian intrusion into private life.
These principles reflect Evola's vision of a value-driven, hierarchical, and spiritually oriented state that transcends modern political and economic concerns.
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Now we will explain each principle in detail
1: Anti-Democracy and Anti-Socialism
Evola firmly opposed democracy and socialism, criticizing both for their emphasis on equality and mediocrity. He believed democracy lowered leadership quality by valuing every opinion equally, regardless of individual abilities. Similarly, he argued that socialism's focus on redistributing wealth and power undermined individual excellence and merit.
Evola's philosophy favored a hierarchical society where different levels of excellence are recognized and rewarded. He asserted that naturally more capable individuals should lead, while others follow. For him, a true state should be structured around these principles of hierarchy and excellence, not the egalitarian ideals of democracy and socialism.
Central to Evola's vision is the idea that economic concerns should not dictate societal structure and values. Instead, he advocated for a true state guided by higher ideals that promote excellence and hierarchy.
2: Anti-Capitalism
Evola was strongly opposed to capitalism, believing it prioritized money and material wealth over true virtues. In capitalist societies, the emphasis on production and consumption drives people to seek financial success and acquire goods, which he saw as corrupting societal values.
He argued that capitalism led to a shallow existence where material wealth overshadowed moral and spiritual values, detracting from true human excellence. For Evola, a genuine state should be guided by higher principles focused on moral and spiritual development rather than economic success.
By rejecting capitalism, Evola envisioned a society where virtues like honor, loyalty, and excellence held greater importance than wealth and consumption. His anti-capitalist stance was part of a broader rejection of economism, advocating for a hierarchical society driven by higher values and ideals, not economic concerns.
3: Anti-Communism
Evola was a staunch opponent of communism, believing it promoted a harmful leveling effect by erasing distinctions between people. He saw this as detrimental because it destroyed higher values and excellence, reducing society to the lowest common denominator and emphasizing collective equality over individual merit.
Evola argued that communism's focus on equality undermined the natural hierarchy of human abilities, ignoring individual differences and imposing artificial equality. He believed this led to a society where mediocrity was the norm and excellence was lost.
For Evola, a true state should recognize and reward individual abilities and virtues, promoting a society where people could achieve their full potential. His opposition to communism was part of a broader critique of economic systems, as he believed both capitalism and communism overemphasized economic concerns. In his vision of a true state, moral and spiritual values would take precedence, guiding people's actions and the structure of the state.
4: Authority and Sovereignty
Evola believed that every true state needs a principle of authority and a transcendent symbol of sovereignty. In his view, the best representation of this principle is a monarchy. A monarch embodies authority and acts as a symbol of the state's supreme power.
Evola thought that a monarch should have a certain sacred quality. This means that the ruler is not just a political leader but also a figure with a higher, almost spiritual significance. The monarch represents the unity and continuity of the state, standing above everyday politics.
For Evola, a strong and sacred authority was essential for maintaining order and hierarchy. He believed that only a figure with such authority could truly lead a society towards higher ideals and values. This transcendent authority helped ensure that the state was guided by more than just economic or political concerns.
"A true sovereign who exercises real power must naturally be set above the control of the crowd."
Reference: Julius Evola, Revolt Against the Modern World (Inner Traditions, 1995), p. 159
5: Legal Dictatorship
Evola supported the concept of a legal dictatorship. This means that in times of emergency, a dictator can be given temporary power. However, this dictator does not destroy the existing laws and institutions. Instead, they operate within the legal framework to address the crisis.
Evola believed that a legal dictatorship was compatible with a monarchy. In his view, a dictator could be necessary to deal with urgent situations. However, this power should be granted legally and for a limited time. The dictator's role is to restore order, not to take over the state permanently.
A legal dictatorship, according to Evola, should not abolish all laws and constitutions. The dictator should respect the existing political structures. Their power is temporary and focused on resolving specific emergencies. Once the crisis is over, the dictator should return the power to the regular government.
6: State First
Evola believed that the state is primary. This means the state comes before the nation, the people, and society. For him, the state is the foundation of all political order and reality. It is defined by higher ideals and principles, not by natural or contractual factors.
In Evola's view, the state should not be based on natural characteristics like race or ethnicity. It also should not be based on social contracts or agreements between people. Instead, the state should be based on an idea—a vision of political order that transcends individual and collective identities.
Evola argued that true political order is built on loyalty and obedience, not on agreements or contracts. He believed that people should be loyal to the state and follow its principles. This loyalty creates a sense of unity and order that is essential for a true state.
7: Anti-Totalitarianism
Evola was against totalitarianism. He believed that a true state should allow for some degree of decentralization. This means that while the state should be unified, it should not control every aspect of life. There should be pockets of autonomy and freedom within the state.
Evola argued that the state should be organic and unified without being suffocating. This means that different regions or groups within the state can have some level of independence. These areas of partial autonomy should still be loyal to the central authority but have the freedom to manage their own affairs.
In Evola's vision, the balance between unity and decentralization is crucial. The state should be strong and coherent, ensuring order and stability. At the same time, it should allow individuals and groups the freedom to act responsibly within their own domains. This prevents the state from becoming overly intrusive and totalitarian.
Evola believed that liberty should be coupled with loyalty and responsibility. People should have the freedom to make their own decisions, but they should also be loyal to the state and act responsibly. This balance creates a healthy, dynamic society where freedom and order coexist.
By opposing totalitarianism, Evola emphasized the importance of a flexible and adaptive state. He believed that decentralization and partial autonomy were necessary for maintaining the organic unity of the state. This principle reflects his broader belief in a hierarchical society guided by higher ideals, where freedom and responsibility are key components of political order.
8: Against Parliamentary Democracy
Evola was strongly against parliamentary democracy. He believed that party politics and the constant debate in parliaments were ineffective. In his view, parliamentary democracy led to endless talking without decisive action. Evola thought this system was unsuitable for a true state.
Parliamentary democracy relies on political parties to represent different views. Evola saw this as a problem because it often resulted in conflict and division. Parties compete for power, leading to a lack of unity and coherence. Evola believed that a true state should have high ideals and clear leadership, not fragmented party rule.
In a parliamentary system, leaders are chosen based on popular vote and party support. Evola argued that this did not necessarily result in the best leaders. He believed that true leadership should be based on excellence and merit, not on party politics or majority rule. For Evola, the best leaders were those who embodied higher values and principles.
9: Against Majority Rule
Evola believed that a true state should not follow the principle of majority rule. He thought that not everyone should have an equal say in politics. In his view, the idea of one person, one vote was flawed. Evola argued that majority rule often led to poor decision-making because it valued quantity over quality.
In a system where everyone has an equal vote, decisions are made based on the preferences of the majority. Evola believed that this did not necessarily result in the best outcomes. He thought that only the most capable and virtuous individuals should have a say in political matters. These individuals would make decisions based on higher values and principles, not just popular opinion.
Evola argued that the majority of people in a healthy and ordered nation should not be involved in politics. He believed that politics required a level of expertise and understanding that most people did not possess. By limiting political participation to those who were most qualified, Evola believed the state could be governed more effectively.
This principle is closely tied to Evola's belief in hierarchy and excellence. He thought that political power should be concentrated in the hands of those who were best suited to wield it. This would ensure that the state was guided by wisdom and virtue, rather than by the fluctuating preferences of the masses.
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10: Party as an Order
Evola believed that during a period of transition, a political party was necessary. However, once the transition is complete, the party should not remain in its original form. Instead, it should transform into an order. This order would have a noble character and take on significant responsibilities within the state.
During times of change, a political party can mobilize support and implement necessary reforms. Evola saw this as a practical way to achieve the true state. However, he was against the idea of a permanent party system. Once in power, the party should evolve into something greater.
This new form, the order, would embody the dignity and authority of the state. It would take on roles similar to those of the traditional nobility. Members of this order would hold key positions in the state and uphold its highest values. They would be selected based on their merit and commitment to the principles of the true state.
11: Anti-Economism
Evola was firmly against the idea of economism. Economism is the belief that economic factors are the most important in society. Evola believed that economics should not be the foundation of politics. He thought higher ideals and values should guide the state, not economic concerns.
In modern society, both capitalism and communism focus heavily on economic issues. Evola argued that this emphasis on economics was misguided. He believed that it led to a shallow understanding of society and politics. In his view, the state should be guided by moral, spiritual, and philosophical principles.
Evola's critique of economism is part of his broader rejection of materialism. He believed that focusing too much on economic growth and wealth led to the neglect of higher values. This materialistic approach, according to Evola, degraded society and prevented true human excellence.
For Evola, the true state should prioritize higher ideals over economic concerns. These ideals include justice, honor, loyalty, and excellence. By focusing on these principles, the state can promote a more meaningful and virtuous society.
12: Against Class Division
Evola believed that a true state should not have class divisions. He thought that the trade union movement, which often highlighted class conflicts, should be abolished. Evola argued that trade unions created a spirit of class warfare, which was harmful to the unity of the state.
In his view, an organic and unified state could not tolerate constant class-based claims and conflicts. These divisions weakened the state and prevented it from achieving true order and excellence. Evola believed that all citizens should work together for the common good, rather than fighting for class-specific interests.
Evola was against the idea of class spirit. He thought that fostering a sense of class identity led to division and strife. Instead, he advocated for a society where people were united by loyalty to the state and shared higher values. This unity would create a stronger and more cohesive society.
By eliminating trade unions and class divisions, Evola aimed to promote a sense of solidarity and mutual respect among all citizens. He believed that this approach would help maintain the organic unity of the state. In his vision, loyalty to the state and its principles should come before any class-based loyalties.
Evola's opposition to class division is closely tied to his belief in hierarchy and excellence. He thought that society should be structured around higher ideals, not economic or class-based interests. This principle reflects his broader vision of a unified state guided by loyalty, order, and shared values.
By rejecting class divisions, Evola sought to create a society where everyone worked together for the common good. He believed that this approach would help the state achieve true order and excellence. This principle underscores his commitment to a hierarchical and value-driven society.
13: True Justice
Evola believed in the principle of true justice. He argued that what is often promoted today as social justice is not true justice. In his view, social justice serves only the lowest classes of society, often at the expense of other classes. Evola thought this led to a form of injustice.
Social justice, according to Evola, focuses on the working classes and aims to redistribute resources in their favor. He believed that this approach was unbalanced and unfair to other classes. True justice, on the other hand, should serve all classes equally and ensure fairness across society.
Evola emphasized that true justice is about maintaining order and balance. It should not be used as a tool for promoting class warfare or favoring one group over another. Instead, it should uphold the principles of hierarchy and excellence, recognizing the different roles and contributions of various classes.
For Evola, true justice was a key component of a well-ordered state. It ensured that everyone was treated fairly and that the state's higher ideals were maintained. This approach to justice helped promote social harmony and stability, which were essential for the true state.
14: Hierarchical Society
Evola believed that a true state should be hierarchical. This means it should have a clear rank order, where certain values and people are placed above others. He argued that higher values, such as beauty, truth, and excellence, should be recognized and respected.
In a hierarchical society, people are valued based on their abilities and virtues. Evola thought that those who embody higher qualities should lead, while others should follow. This structure ensures that the best and most capable individuals guide the state.
Evola’s belief in hierarchy is rooted in classical teachings. For example, Plato and Aristotle also emphasized the importance of ranking different ways of life. Evola followed this tradition, arguing that a society should distinguish between higher and lower values.
By promoting a hierarchical society, Evola aimed to create a state that values excellence. He believed that this approach would lead to a more ordered and stable society. In his view, recognizing and rewarding higher values helps maintain the integrity and strength of the state.
15: Balance of Public and Private Life
Evola believed that the true state should not intrude excessively into the private lives of its citizens. He argued that there should be a balance between public authority and private freedom. While the state should maintain order and promote higher values, it should also respect individual autonomy and responsibility.
Evola emphasized that great freedom should come with great responsibility. Citizens should have the liberty to make their own choices and manage their private affairs. However, they should also act responsibly and uphold the principles of the state. This balance creates a society where individuals can flourish without undermining the collective order.
In contrast to totalitarian regimes that seek to control every aspect of life, Evola's true state allows for pockets of autonomy and liberty. This decentralization prevents the state from becoming overly oppressive and ensures that individuals have the space to develop and express their unique qualities.
Evola believed that respecting private life was essential for maintaining the dignity and freedom of citizens. By allowing for personal autonomy, the state fosters a sense of responsibility and loyalty among its people. This approach helps create a more harmonious and stable society.
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Conclusion
Julius Evola's political theory presents a compelling vision of the true state. His critique of Nazism and Fascism highlights his commitment to higher spiritual and moral values.
Evola's principles advocate for a hierarchical, anti-materialistic society led by strong, authoritative leadership. By understanding these ideals, we can appreciate Evola's unique perspective on political theory. His ideas challenge us to rethink modern political structures and prioritize timeless values. Through this exploration, we gain insight into a vision of governance rooted in higher principles.