Introduction to Dark Enlightenment

Overview

• A group of philosophers and political thinkers too reactionary for the intellectual dark web.
• Known as the Dark Enlightenment or neo-reactionaries.
• Influenced by Curtis Yarvin, also known as Mencius Moldbug.

Key Concepts

Linear View of History

• History perceived as marching in a progressive, leftist direction.
• Concept rooted in Hegelian dialectics.
• Critique of the left as antinomian (anti-societal laws/customs), leading to societal deconstruction.
• Pronomian (conservatives) aim to reinforce societal laws but often fail.

The Cathedral

• Represents the leftist cultural consensus that controls society.
• Described as supranational, beyond borders, influencing media, culture, and institutions.
• Not a person, place, or specific institution.

Critique of Democracy

• Democracy seen as operating within the cathedral's realms.
• American democracy described with two parties: inner party (Democratic) and outer party (Republican).
• Outer party aims to slow progress, providing a false sense of choice.

Influential Theories

Robert Conquest's Three Laws of Politics

1. Everyone is conservative about what they know best.
2. Any organization not explicitly right-wing will become left-wing ("woke capital").
3. Bureaucracies often act contrary to their original purpose.

Trichotomy of Political Forces

• Identified by Nick Land as dissatisfied forces with modern leftist ideology:
  • Techno-commercialists: Focus on capital and innovation.
  • Theonomists: Focus on tradition and divine law.
  • Ethnicists/Nationalists: Focus on ethnic consciousness and group solidarity.

Bio-Leninism

• A method by which the inner party secures support among certain demographics by providing high status through intersectionality.
• Likened to Leninism's support from minority groups in early 20th century Russia.

Cyclical View of History

• Popularized by thinkers like Oswald Spengler.
• Suggests historical cycles rather than linear progress.
• Neo-reactionaries anticipate a reaction to liberal progress (global Homo).

Strategies and Philosophies

Pacifism

• Not to engage within the cathedral's power dynamics.
• Create alternative power structures outside the cathedral, such as alternative platforms and institutions.

Potential Future Outcomes

• If alternatives overthrow the cathedral, they might claim progressive status.

Conclusion

• Dark Enlightenment critiques contemporary politics, similar to Marxists critiquing capitalism.
• Encourages exploring foundational texts like "Open Letter to Open-minded Progressives."

Recommended Reading

• "Open Letter to Open-minded Progressives" for more in-depth understanding of Dark Enlightenment concepts.