The “Dark Enlightenment,” a term popularised by British philosopher Nick Land, refers to a loosely connected set of ideas and critiques of modern liberal [[Democracy]], egalitarianism, and progressivism. Though Curtis Yarvin, writing under the pseudonym Mencius Moldbug, is not the sole thinker behind it, his writings have been foundational to the movement. Here’s an overview of Yarvin’s contributions and the key ideas associated with the Dark Enlightenment: #### 1. Curtis Yarvin’s Key Concepts • “Neoreaction” (NRx): Yarvin’s alternative to modern democratic systems, advocating for a return to [[hierarchical]] governance, including monarchism or corporate-style governance structures. He argues that democracies are inefficient and inherently unstable. • “The Cathedral”: A metaphor Yarvin uses to describe the combined influence of academia, [[Media]], and bureaucracies in promoting progressive [[Ideology]]. He sees it as an unofficial but pervasive system that shapes societal norms and suppresses dissent. • Formalism: Yarvin proposes a political model where power is formalised, meaning governance would clearly define roles and responsibilities, akin to corporate management, eliminating the ambiguities of modern democracies. #### 2. Critique of Liberal [[Democracy]] Yarvin challenges [[The Enlightenment]]-era ideals that underpin liberal democracies, such as universal equality and the [[Belief]] in progress through popular governance. He argues these ideals lead to inefficiency, societal decay, and [[Repression|suppression]] of alternative ideas. #### 3. Central Themes in the Dark Enlightenment • [[Hierarchical]] Governance: Advocacy for systems where authority is centralised and stable, rejecting the decentralisation and egalitarianism of [[Democracy]]. • Cultural and Technological Elitism: A [[Belief]] in the rule of the competent and rejection of mass [[Culture]] or populism. • Realism over Idealism: A focus on what Yarvin and his followers consider practical and effective rather than moral or ideological commitments to equality or justice. #### 4. Criticisms The Dark Enlightenment has been widely criticised for: • Its perceived authoritarian leanings. • Romanticising [[Hierarchical|hierarchy]] and social stratification. • Providing intellectual cover for far-right ideologies, including reactionary and exclusionary views. #### 5. Influence and Legacy Yarvin’s ideas have found a following among tech entrepreneurs, alt-right communities, and some intellectual circles. They also sparked debates about governance, societal organisation, and the future of liberal democracies. However, mainstream political theorists often dismiss them as overly cynical, anti-democratic, or impractical. `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:`