Accelerationism, an intriguing concept rooted in the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche and embraced by some Marxist theorists, is a radical idea proposing that the best way to bring about significant change is by pushing a system to its extreme limits, hoping to induce its collapse. In this article, we’ll delve into the essence of accelerationism, simplifying its complex theories with relatable examples.
The Reductio ad Absurdum Principle
Accelerationism draws inspiration from the reductio ad absurdum principle, akin to the proof by contradiction in mathematics. To simplify, imagine trying to prove that √2 is irrational by assuming the opposite and demonstrating that it leads to an absurd conclusion. Similarly, accelerationists believe that by pushing a system to its extremes, the flaws and contradictions will become so apparent that people will reject it.
Accelerating Capitalism: A Marxist Perspective
Marxist theorists, particularly after the fall of the Soviet Union, realized that to dismantle capitalism, encouraging its most aggressive variants might be more effective. The idea is to foster so much suffering and misery within the system that people reject it entirely. This approach aligns with the Hegelian principle of problem, reaction, solution.
Accelerationist
Philosopher Nick Land, a key figure in accelerationist thought, argued that capitalism had never been properly unleashed and that Europe was stagnating. He believed that civilization was hurtling towards an inevitable apocalypse, advocating for disorder as a catalyst for change. Land’s eccentric lectures and unconventional views continue to spark discussions even today.
Examples of Accelerationist Strategies
Accelerationism can be observed in various contexts:
- Undermining Science and Reason: Proposing absurd notions, like subjective gender preferences, challenges the foundations of science and reason.
- Destroying Democracy: Corrupting democracy to such an extent that people lean towards authoritarian forms of government, as seen in the Cloward-Piven strategy.
- Crisis Creation for Change: The Cloward-Piven strategy proposed inducing chaos through a welfare enrollment drive, forcing a crisis that would lead to the implementation of a guaranteed annual income.
The Cloward-Piven Strategy was proposed in 1966 by two American sociologists, Richard Cloward and Frances Fox Piven. They introduced this strategy in an article titled “The Weight of the Poor: A Strategy to End Poverty” published in the May 2, 1966, issue of The Nation magazine. The Cloward-Piven Strategy aimed to achieve its goal of ending poverty by overloading the welfare system, which, in turn, would lead to a political and economic crisis, potentially resulting in the implementation of a guaranteed annual income.
The Correlation with Current Events
Examining the current global situation, particularly the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, reveals a potential accelerationist agenda. The breakdown of trust in institutions and the introduction of controversial measures might be part of a broader plan to weaken nation-states.
Navigating Through Uncertainty
As we decipher the accelerationist agenda, it’s crucial to understand its potential impact on our societies. The concept is not merely theoretical but may have real-world implications. As history has shown, the pursuit of world domination often stems from occult, messianic psychoses, and recognizing these patterns can help us navigate through uncertain times.
