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Prominent Themes in Western Civilization since the Renaissance (1) The twentieth century was marked by the opposition of different ideologies more than any other. The origins of two World Wars and numerous revolutions that had taken place during last hundred years can be traced down to the pure metaphysics. Basically, we can talk of continuous struggle between three major worldview philosophies, which had shaped the world as we know it now: national-socialism, communism and liberalism. In this paper I will define the essence of these philosophies and will also have their representatives Friedrich Nietzsche, Karl Marx and Jean-Jacques Rousseau invited to a party, so I could ask them questions, regarding their philosophical doctrines. (2) The modern Western societies are based on the principle of masses political activity. This is what defines its structure and the form of government.
Different people have different political ideas; this is the main reason that underlines socio-political dynamics. Up until the Great French Revolution, political ideology has never played a significant role in the contemporary European societies. The numerous interpretations of Christian doctrine were the main driving force behind many wars and demographic shifts back than. Religion was so politicized that there was no need in designing political theories. Basically, there were just economic interests involved but they had to be disguised in form of good vs. evil.
Christianity was there to allow political elite having their purely materialistic motivations appearing as something noble. The average individual existed in the twisted realm of religious obscurantism, mixed with archaic social traditions. Monarchies allowed very little freedom of thought, but because this form of government was able to fit organically into peoples perception of the world, there are very few examples of political discontent within such societies. The situation has drastically changed with the advent of evolutionary era in Europe.
All of a sudden, people have found themselves being freed from any kind of spiritual supervision, on the part of the government. They were being told that they are the actual government and that they can greatly influence politics through their chosen representatives. French Revolution of 1792 proclaimed principle of equality, which was to be extended to all of the citizens. This caused the rise of their political conciseness and from this time on we can talk of beginning of a new political era in the world, when abstract ideas that had nothing to do with religion, began to play a very important role in defining the form of government in European countries and the whole world.
One of the most outspoken supporters of French Revolution was Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The ideas of French revolution are now associated with left-wing politics. They are also generally described as Liberalism. This political ideology proclaims state as having no other reason to exist, but to guarantee individuals rights and freedoms. Even mans weaknesses like egoism, tendency to indulge in activities that are harmful to its health and its general disdain of higher authority, described as part of persons sacred right to make choices on its own. Yet, as history progressed, people began to realize that liberal well-meaning rules and principles couldnt benefit society as a whole.
French Revolution, which was based on principles of Liberalism, turned into one of the bloodiest dictatorship that world has ever known. It appeared that there was only one step to make from being citizen to becoming a Supreme Being, with unlimited political powers. Liberal ideas, if allowed to pursue its natural course, will inevitably lead to whether anarchy or dictatorship. Proclaiming one thing, while practicing something totally opposite, became the trademark of Liberals even in our days. The average individual is being told that hes entitled to the freedom of expression, yet the next thing hes being asked not to say certain thoughts out loud, because of political correctness. Modern Liberals encourage people to stand up against hate, yet they hate hateful people with passion.
Many historians trace back the origins of Communism to the ideas of French revolution. In my view, these origins can be dated as far back as emergence of Christianity; nevertheless, it goes without saying that the Communist ideology was heavily influenced by Liberalism. In 1848 Karl Marx and Frederic Engels published a so-called Communist Manifesto that stated that all people in the world are divided on bourgeoisie and proletariat, which are the biggest enemies and there can be no reconciliation reached between them. They predicted that historically, bourgeoisie is doomed to physical annihilation, to prevent it from exploiting proletariat any further.
Marx and Engels suggested that there is no other purpose of ones existence, but materialistic one. If person isnt hungry all his needs are satisfied. The reason why so many people were strongly opposed against Communism is because it openly proclaims its immediate goals: The immediate aim of the Communists is the same as that of all other proletarian parties: Formation of the proletariat into a class, overthrow of the bourgeois supremacy, conquest of political power by the proletariat in the whole world. (Communist Manifesto, part 2). Up until the collapse of the Soviet Union, its symbol used to be a hammer and the sickle over the globe. Soviet constitution openly proclaimed that USSR only temporarily consists of 15 republics, but it is only the matter of time before all the countries in the world become the part of it. There are many left-wing intellectuals in our time that try to convince us that Marx's ideas were being wrongly interpreted and that theyre essentially beneficial to mankind.
Id like to refer them to the only time when Communist ideas were being deployed in its purest form Cambodia, during regime of Pol Pot in 1975 - 1978. Marx wouldve been proud of this bloody dictator for exactly following his recipes: abolition of family women are shared whether they want or not, 12 hours a day working for food without holidays, making everyone to wear the same gray ropes to emphasize their equality. The price of this paradise on Earth was 5 million people killed and starved to death. Liberalism and Communism are on the left side of political spectrum. But there are also political ideologies that we now refer to as right-wing ones Conservatism, Fascism and National-Socialism. They appeared as response to the rise of Liberalism.
In 19 th century many European intellectuals have realized that, in order to come up with new political ideology that would effectively oppose traditional values to the liberal ones, Christianity had to be dropped. It is rather ironic that Friedrich Nietzsche, who is now considered to be the most prominent intellectual bomber of Christianity and spiritual father of Nazism, came from the family of priests. The end of 19 th century marks the time when ideas of National-Socialism were being conceived in their classic form for the first time. They were nothing but an attempt to revitalize the concept of traditional values by getting rid of an outdated religious doctrines that people used to associate with these values. Nazism is essentially a cult of physical health, beauty and intelligence. Many historians refer to the rise of Nazi party as conservative revolution as opposed to the liberal revolution with ideas of equality and progress.
This only partially is a truth. The twelve years of Nazi rule in Germany is nothing else but an extraordinary attempt to adapt the ideas of ancient Greeks to the realities of modern era. This is no secret that all our concepts of democracy, beauty and progress derive from ancient Greece and Rome. Hitler has just made one step further he applied these ideas to German society, making this nation the happiest on Earth within a few years. So, in broader sense, Hitlers revolution was also based on ideas of progress and equality, but only equality among equal. Today many people are puzzled with the fact that nation of philosophers and composers had so easily adopted the ideals on National-Socialism, they think of it as something incomprehensible.
This is the classical case when people look at something at point blank range, yet they still cant see it. European culture was developing as a succession of the same ideas from ancient times, through Renaissance, to comparatively recent historical past. Thats why National-Socialism came as very natural worldview not to just Germans, but to majority of Europeans as well. As war drew closer to Europe in 1944 - 1945, millions of Europeans were willing to join SS so they could fight advancing barbarians from the east, just like in times when the whole Europe had to unite in order to defend itself from invasions of Huns and Mongols. (3) The following is a imaginary conversation between Friedrich Nietzsche, Karl Marx and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, whom I invited to attend my Halloween party: Nietzsche: Cant say it gives me a big pleasure to be meeting with prophets of Communism and Liberalism, yet Im kind of intrigued, given the fact that both of you are ghosts. Rousseau: Although, technically Im dead, but my spirit is still very much alive I proudly consider my philosophy of enlightenment and progress to be a forerunner of international Liberalism, which will soon take over the whole world, so people can coexist peacefully.
Marx: As much as I hate aggressive nationalism, I also consider liberalism as such that lead humankind to a dead end. Nietzsche: Both of you are wrong, Rousseau tries to conceal his political ambitions, while disguising itself as a prophet of international brotherhood and you Marx, is nothing but a bearded parasite with mentality of a slave, who wants the whole world to embrace your sick philosophy. Author: Whoa easy there fellows. I dont want this party turn violent right at the beginning.
Marx: Obviously, we didnt get invited here to socialize and get friendly with each other, although I suspect that it might be Rousseau's secret fantasy. He thinks that all the people are equal, but some are more equal than the other. He wont understand this, he is not a Jew. Rousseau: So much blood has been spilled in the name of such illusory concepts as religion or national pride. Marx and Nietzsche, youre nothing but an extremists.
Had you lived in France during the Revolution, you wouldve been beheaded long ago. Author: Wait a minute Rousseau, how can you be terrified of verbal extremism and calmly talk about killing those who promote it? Nietzsche: Exactly, the nature of man always remain the same, they all lust for power, while trying to convince themselves that they strive for some higher ideals. I call it a curse of Christianity - people spit out their poison and call it morality. I say that we shouldnt be ashamed of being what we are - vicious and beautiful beasts. Marx: All the injustices in this world derive from the notion of private property.
Imagine world without social stratification, where everybody work and get whatever they want from the store, without having to pay money. Author: Once there are workers, there are also should be a foremen. Who are going to be such foremen in communist workers paradise Marx? Marx: To me this question appears to be self-explanatory. Only those devoted to the communist cause will become commissars. Nietzsche: Thats right, the chosen people are always ready to offer their services, once there is a need in commissars or morality experts.
Rousseau: No need for sarcasm Nietzsche. I might not agree with Marx on the subject of eliminating private property, but Im strongly in favor of cosmopolitanism. Only those who are totally deprived of nationalist sentiment can lead humanity into a brighter future. The notion of patriotism is obsolete; I dont see the reasons why people from all over the Earth cant simply unite for the sake of progress?
Nietzsche: Yes, lets unite and make love to each other! I think Marx would like this idea, although I suspect that he would have to assume a passive role. Come on Marx, tell us about your relations with Engels. Marx: Nietzsche, youre simple-minded man, you cant grasp the essence of my ideas. The humankind is doomed if it doesnt embrace communism. Nietzsche: It isnt doomed, as long as there is a sense of healthy nationalism among people.
If there is even no equality among members of the same nation, how can there be equality among races? Only degenerates are doomed. Rousseau: I agree, French are those who will lead the humanity towards ideals of universal brotherhood, French are the most civilized among the rest of the nations. Marx: No, Jews have the moral obligation to be the arbiters when it comes telling people what is right and what is wrong. Rousseau: No French are the best.
Nietzsche: You people now contradict your own beliefs this is what ultimately proves you both being wrong. You have your own practical agendas, yet you wouldnt admit yourselves being just like everybody else, you think youre much better. And this what disgusts me Marx: Shut up Nietzsche, youre nothing but beer drinking, sausage eating, and shorts wearing kraut. Im going to Author: Time has come to end this pointless discussion; with all due respect I need to be leaving you ghosts, as I dont have much time left to submit this essay.
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Research essay sample on Jean Jacques Rousseau 19 Th Century
