Neither revolution nor reformation can ultimately change a society, rather you must tell a new powerful tale, one so persuasive that it sweeps away the old myths and becomes the preferred story, one so inclusive that it gathers all the bits of our past and our present into a coherent whole, one that even shines some light into the future so that we can take the next step… If you want to change a society, then you have to tell an alternative story.
Your right Traditionalism isn't about returning to the past, because for better and for worse, it is gone and it cannot be returned. But we cannot forget the past, as much of Progressivism wants, because it can no more be discarded as it can be recreated.
I think you're right. This is the problem with what I would call the mainstream far right (or paleo right) (eg Quadrant, Hitchens, Dalrymple). They can only look back, they can only see everything now as a deterioration from what has been. Most of them are old, and indulge in querulous indignation. I find one article is OK, but if I read a few in a row, depression comes over me.
You have to respect the past, but let it go. And convince yourself (whether it be true or not) that the present is dangerous but presents opportunities.
Thanks Vic. I think a lot of these older guys probably have spent a lifetime watching things get worse and it's had an effect. I can only imagine watching your society fall from such a height, warning people about it, and the only effect is the bureaucracy expands further and tries to silence you. It's a huge awakening moment to look forward and realise a different future can be imagined and grasped.
Neither revolution nor reformation can ultimately change a society, rather you must tell a new powerful tale, one so persuasive that it sweeps away the old myths and becomes the preferred story, one so inclusive that it gathers all the bits of our past and our present into a coherent whole, one that even shines some light into the future so that we can take the next step… If you want to change a society, then you have to tell an alternative story.
-Ivan Illich
It's a powerful challenge indeed. Cheers Peter!
Only just seen your reply, glad you like the quote.
Your right Traditionalism isn't about returning to the past, because for better and for worse, it is gone and it cannot be returned. But we cannot forget the past, as much of Progressivism wants, because it can no more be discarded as it can be recreated.
Thanks Mark, very true. I think a lot of young men bury themselves into Tradition as a coping mechanism. We have to be bold going forward!
I think you're right. This is the problem with what I would call the mainstream far right (or paleo right) (eg Quadrant, Hitchens, Dalrymple). They can only look back, they can only see everything now as a deterioration from what has been. Most of them are old, and indulge in querulous indignation. I find one article is OK, but if I read a few in a row, depression comes over me.
You have to respect the past, but let it go. And convince yourself (whether it be true or not) that the present is dangerous but presents opportunities.
Thanks Vic. I think a lot of these older guys probably have spent a lifetime watching things get worse and it's had an effect. I can only imagine watching your society fall from such a height, warning people about it, and the only effect is the bureaucracy expands further and tries to silence you. It's a huge awakening moment to look forward and realise a different future can be imagined and grasped.