\nA movement called “traditionalism” is apparently the “very next phase”, so it becomes necessary to periodically engage in the distasteful task of polemics and critique. The problem arises because “traditionalists” are making the claim that their “traditionalism” is based on the thought of Julius Evola and Rene Guenon.\n<\/p>\n
\nI realize that Evola is more accessible than Guenon since he writes about trends and politics, but it cannot be emphasized strongly enough that understanding Evola depends on understanding Guenon, despite the sharp differences in certain areas between them. Guenon\u2019s writings are more difficult and do not lend themselves readily to short Internet commentaries or radio interviews. Moreover, reading Guenon is not an intellectual exercise, but a spiritual exercise that demands a true metanoia in order to be grasped in their fullness.\n<\/p>\n
\nNow, one of the foundational works of Guenon, which is mandatory reading for anyone working toward the recovery of Tradition, is The Reign of Quantity and the Signs of the Times<\/strong>. Lo and behold, Chapter XXXI is titled “Tradition and Traditionalism” and it deals directly with the peculiar manifestations we see happening in our midst, viz., the misuse of the term “traditionalism”. Since this book is so readily available and well-known, it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that it is deliberate rather than accidental. Guenon writes:<\/p>\n \n\u2026 words are applied to things which they do not fit in any way, and sometimes in a sense directly opposed to their normal meaning. This is one of the most obvious symptoms of the intellectual confusion which reigns everywhere in the present world; but it must not be forgotten that this very confusion is willed by that which lies hidden behind the whole modern deviation<\/em>.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n \nAlthough Guenon concedes the good faith of those involved, he adds:\n<\/p>\n \nNevertheless it must also be recognized that such errors of interpretation and involuntary misconceptions serve the purpose of certain plans so well that is it permissible to wonder whether their growing diffusion may not be due to some of the suggestions that dominate the modern mentality, all of which lead ultimately to nothing less than the destruction of all that is tradition in the true sense of the word.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n \n“The modern mentality is no more than the product of a vast collective suggestion”, but there may come a time where the “resulting state of disorder and disequilibrium becomes so apparent that some people cannot fail to become aware it.” Unfortunately, Guenon explains:\n<\/p>\n \nThe very idea of tradition has been destroyed to such an extent that those who aspire to recover it no longer know which way to turn, and are only too ready to accept all the false ideas presented to them in its place and under its name. \u2026 People described as Traditionalists \u2026 only have a sort of tendency or aspiration towards tradition without really knowing anything at all about it; this is the measure of the distance dividing the “traditionalist” spirit from the truly traditional spirit, for the latter implies a real knowledge, and indeed in a sense it is the same as that knowledge. In short, the “traditionalist” is and can be no more than a mere “seeker”, and that is why he is always in danger of going astray, not being in possession of the principles which alone could provide him with infallible guidance; and his danger is all the greater because he will find in his path, like so many ambushes, all the false ideas set on foot by the power of illusion which has a capital interest in preventing him from reaching the true goal of his search.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n \nIn Crisis of the Modern World<\/strong>, Guenon mentions the diabolical and satanic spirits that are preventing the cohesion of those dedicated to Tradition. One of the tactics of the adversary is the misdirection mentioned above, that is, the falsification of the true meaning of words. It is interesting that the self-designated leaders of something called “radical traditionalism” boast about their intentions to “seduce” young men with flashy web sites and multimedia broadcasts in order to build a mass movement. We, on the other hand, are only trying to influence just the precious few who are interested in sound doctrine. Think hard, young men, and be prudent before committing your life.\n<\/p>\n Think hard, young men, and be prudent before committing your life. Continue reading
\nVincit omnia Veritas<\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"