A Stoic Perspective on Nazifascism: Understanding and Action
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Chapter 1: The Modern Resurgence of Nazifascism
In today’s world, we are confronted with the alarming revival of Nazifascism. This is unexpected, especially considering the devastating lessons learned from World War II and the Holocaust. Yet, we find that this toxic ideology persists.
Over the years, both Germany and Italy have witnessed the occasional rise of overtly Nazifascist movements, manifesting through violent demonstrations led by misguided youth or attempts to revive historical Fascist parties, like the Movimento Sociale Italiano in Italy.
The United States is not immune to this threat either. Nazism has gained traction in some regions, as illustrated in the film The Blues Brothers (1980), where characters comically toss a group of Illinois Nazis into a river. However, the reality is starkly different, as exemplified by the tragic events in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017, where one life was lost and dozens injured during a White Supremacist rally. Moreover, the Ku Klux Klan, a notorious American fascist organization, has a long history of violence and hate dating back to the 1860s, right after the Civil War.
This essay, originally published in my Substack newsletter, reflects on a recent controversy concerning the platform, which has seen a small number of Nazi sympathizers profiting from their abhorrent ideologies while Substack takes its share.
As we delve deeper, I aim to explore how Stoic philosophy can guide our response to Nazifascism. Specifically, I will address whether Stoics should tolerate such ideologies, engage in discourse with their advocates, or strive to convince them of their misguided beliefs.
Section 1.1: Defining Nazifascism
Before we proceed, it’s crucial to define what we mean by Nazifascism. According to Merriam-Webster, Nazism encompasses the political and economic doctrines implemented by the Nazis in Germany between 1933 and 1945, characterized by totalitarian governance, the belief in the racial superiority of Germanic groups, and the supremacy of a single leader.
Fascism, as defined by the same source, represents a political ideology that emphasizes nation and race above the individual, advocating for a centralized autocratic government led by a dictatorial figure, along with harsh economic and social regulations and suppression of dissent.
By examining these definitions, it becomes evident why I prefer the term Nazifascism, which is widely used in Europe. Both ideologies share these core elements:
- Promotion of an autocratic regime centered around a single leader.
- Extreme nationalism.
- Racial superiority.
- Intolerance and suppression of opposing viewpoints.
I trust we all agree that these characteristics form a society we should actively resist, should it attempt to establish itself.
In this insightful video, the German far-right party's emergence in state elections is discussed, highlighting the alarming trends of Nazifascism in contemporary politics.
Section 1.2: The Stoic Response
To navigate the issue of Nazifascism, we must adopt a Stoic perspective. Stoics believe that individuals who espouse such beliefs are not inherently evil but rather misguided. As Epictetus articulates, we should not seek to eliminate those who err but rather understand that they are misinformed about what constitutes genuine good and bad.
Epictetus posits, “Shouldn’t we eliminate a thief or an adulterer simply for their actions?” Instead, he suggests framing the question around the person’s ignorance and misunderstanding of vital truths. This perspective encourages compassion rather than hatred.
The Stoics follow the belief that no one intentionally commits evil; rather, it arises from ignorance. Historical figures like Hitler and Mussolini likely believed in their ideologies with sincere conviction, despite being fundamentally wrong.
This presentation explores the tragic history of the Nazi genocide against the Sinti and Roma, shedding light on the importance of understanding the past to prevent future atrocities.
Chapter 2: Engaging with Nazifascism
The first Stoic conclusion we can draw is that Nazifascists, or any group of misled individuals, should not be hated. They are suffering from a form of sickness rather than malice. As Epictetus states, it is senseless to despise someone who is ill; instead, we should strive to assist them while ensuring they do not pose a threat to others.
The second conclusion suggests that we should endeavor to persuade these misguided individuals of their errors. Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of instruction and support among humanity, advocating for reasoned discussions rather than mere tolerance.
While Stoicism promotes a rational and cooperative approach, it does not shy away from the harsher realities of life. The Stoic Opposition, a group of philosophers and politicians in ancient Rome who stood against tyranny, serves as a historical example of principled resistance.
Members of this group, like Helvidius Priscus, exemplified courage in the face of oppression. Epictetus recounts instances where individuals stood their ground against tyrants, asserting their right to voice dissent despite the risks involved.
Ultimately, our exploration leads us to a final conclusion: violent resistance against Nazifascism, or any form of tyranny, is justifiable as a last resort. Stoicism advocates for minimizing violence, but when all else fails, self-defense becomes necessary.
In conclusion, while my personal experiences may lean towards a more aggressive response to Nazifascism, Stoic principles advocate for compassion and understanding. However, they also acknowledge that in extreme circumstances, the necessity of armed resistance may arise. It is my hope that humanity can avoid such dire situations in the future.