Julius Evola's Revolt Against the Modern World - Q&A Season 1

A while back, I asked you guys to send in any questions you had pertaining to the first 5 episodes of our Revolt Against the Modern World series. I have chosen 10 questions that were either asked frequently or that I felt could benefit from further explanation.

Here are the time stamps for the questions:

0:53 - "I think it would be helpful if you could delve into the meaning and content of metaphysics and what line of thought Traditionalism follows because I think it is a term that many people associate with spirituality and it is not necessarily limited to that."

2:13 - "How is Evola any different from New Age philosophy? I struggle to get past the woo-woo…"

6:20 - "Is it not fanciful to believe that there is a metaphysical world without evidence of such? How can one prove the existence of the metaphysical world? It is only the physical world that is empirically provable and therefore the only reality that exists. Prove me wrong."

8:15 - "Was Evola anti-Catholic?"

9:43 - "For those who struggle with the esoteric, what value can they find in Evola’s teachings?"

11:19 - "Does Evola have a definition of the afterlife and of the notion of a soul?"

12:41 - "From Episode 2, can you explain more about what you mean about “attaching our ego self to materialistic identifiers” and why that is a hindrance? I think it was around the 7 minute mark."

17:14 - "Throughout human history, so many nations have suffered under tyrannical king. Why would you ever want to advocate for the monarchy when it has proved so disastrous?"

20:07 - Julius Evola, and his mentor, René Guénon, both wrote about hierarchical class/caste systems in several of their respective works, though they differed in their belief in which of the castes should be considered worthy of holding leadership positions. Evola believed soldiers should lead society whilst Guenon followed the more orthodox thought of it being the priests. Which do you believe was the correct interpretation of the two and why?

22:44 - "How can one best put these Traditional ideas into practice in their daily lives? What specifically can we do to live these values? Do you recommend a specific religion?"

[andrewdock]

I think its much easier to live a trad lifestyle in Eastern Europe because the cultural environment is now aligned to the National Populist parties.
So you have synergy ; note if a married woman in Hungary has 4 or more children she is exempt from all taxation. The money goes into raising the next generation of traditionalist. Her Husband understands this and focuses on providing a solvent household.
I think most of Eastern Europe will go down this path . The real question is what will become of Western Europe?

[TheAmbientWarrior]

Hey PhilosophiCat, I just wanted to say that I've been loving this series and I don't mind how long it takes you to put them out. They're quality productions and I know how long and tedious of a process it can be to do such videos justice. You're one of the few out there with a series of actual in-depth discussions on this book, and it's something that's been sorely needed. Thank you for what you do.

[joshmeyers]

Keep up your hard work, so much value in these videos.

[solinfectus]

You didn't read my question, but it was similar to one you did pick, so that's ok. Appreciate your clarification around New Age stuff. I think people who don't really understand what New Age is maybe don't see the difference so it is very good for people to know this.

[georgefitzhugh]

The question ( @6:40) about dualism (matter/spirit) v. materialism could have been answered in other ways. 1) You can point to modern physics and astronomy, which have revealed that the 19th century materialistic view of the universe is completely wrong. The red shift of galaxies implies a starting point of the universe which cannot be explained by modern physics. "Dark matter" and "dark energy" also baffle our astronomers. Heisenberg showed that matter is ultimately not as solid as the materialists thought. In th case of electrons, it is a probability cloud. There is far more order in the universe that there should be, given the 2nd Law of thermodynamics. There must have been a super-ordered state before the "Big Bang" which defies all known laws of physics. 2) Our idea of the reality of the material universe itself depends on a priori metaphysical ideas such as uniform time and space which are mental or metaphysical, as also is all of mathematics. 3) Esprit (mind or spirit) has not been satisfactorily explained by materialists. One can argue (with Wittgenstein) that it is an especially complex kind of animal behavior, word games, but that is to beg the question.

[frankchilds]

Dear Lady, you are right on with your remarks about Buddhism, I follow the Soto Zen path and live in Honolulu in a Soto temple. Yet every day I realize how far I've got to go. Glad I discovered your work!

[titusflaviusvespasian]

Great video. You articulated what I felt and thought in a time where I was closer to God and the metaphysical realm. When I became weaker in my religion (Christendom) I automatically disconnected from God and it was harder to come back to where I was before. At the same time, the craving for the metaphysical led me to a greater fountain of knowledge and wisdom, which led me to Traditional Catholicism. The esoteric knowledge was well built, but the exoteric action was lacking, and I believe this is what God showed me in order to close the circle.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

[Monkey-pqzt]

I just found your channel through bre faucheux im glad people like you exist. Checking out your videos now

[RomanDobs]

This is fantastic much appreciated. Keep it up! The People need to know and have a gentle introduction.

[Joefest]

EXCELLENT job articulating these topics! So concise but piercing! You hit the nail in the head and cover a topic well! 👏

[theworkingman]

Thank you for your hard work and sharing your knowledge, you are a great guide that has brought me to the teachings of Evola. Again thank you 🙏🏻

[fountainofyouth]

tfw no esoteric evolian philosophicat gf

[ATageH]

That background you use for your videos is amazing

[diegogorini]

Hello PhilosophiCat, I recently started watching the series and I am very impressed by the clarity of exposition and the quality of the film making. I wish to give something in return: If your team ever needs a translation of some text passage from Italian, Latin or Ancient Greek I will be more than happy to provide it. Cheers.

[FlippyHambone]

Wow, I am so impressed! That answered many of my questions.

[justinsuvoy]

"Metaphysics" simply transcending or beyond "The Physics" quite possibly philogically originating in the way the works of Aristotle were categorized in the Library of Alexandria. The books/parchments systematically categorized after Aristotle's "The Physics." Common knowledge I know, but humor me! Great work here...finally something of worth in the rubbish heap called YouTube. Axios!!!

[CRAIGJUDEHETZEL]

The last few years, I've been doubting my own faith while being critical of others.

I think you might have suggested why.

Wise beyond your years young Lady.

[flkadjsfklajfkl]

Especially your answer to question 6 resonates with me. Zoroastrianism appeals to me because of the emphasis on the quest for knowledge and one's own responsibility to deem what subsequent actions are good or evil. European paganism appeals because it sorta feels closer and because of its down to earth character. Also Buddhism and the Bhagavad gita appeal but need to learn more.

[kryptonkookiemonster]

Really interesting. Wish I had known about submitting questions, but I'll try to get one in for next time!

[marshallwilcott]

Will you be doing another Q&A for season 2 and if so, how do we submit questions?