The Future of Traditionalism: A Discussion with Mark J. Sedgwick
Aug 18, 2023
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Join Mark J. Sedgwick and Owen Bennett-Jones as they discuss the resurgence of Traditionalism, its influence on political leaders like Trump and Putin, and the intersection of traditionalist beliefs with modern ideologies like Hinduism and Sufism. Explore the roles of key figures like Gennon and Evola in shaping traditionalist philosophy, and how traditionalism impacts art, democracy, and individual identity. Discover the relationships between traditionalist thinkers and influential politicians, and delve into King Charles' embrace of spiritual traditionalism in the modern world.
Traditionalism influences global political landscapes through post-traditionalist ideologies.
Artistic expressions reflect traditionalist beliefs with symbolic and transcendent themes.
Deep dives
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Key Concept of Traditionalism: Primordial Sacred Creed
Traditionalism centers around the belief in a single timeless ancient sacred creed, also known as perennialism, which suggests all global spiritual practices stem from a common origin. This core belief drives traditionalists to seek out contemporary expressions of this ancient wisdom in practices like Vedanta, Hinduism, and Sufism.
Traditionalism's Influence on Art and Music
The traditionalist movement extends into artistic realms with figures like Ananda Kumaraswamy emphasizing art's symbolic nature and the access it provides to the transcendent. In music, Sir John Tavener sought to create 'perennial music' drawing on non-Western traditions to reflect the perennial philosophy. Similarly, visual art incorporates symbolism, evident in icons created by traditionalists.
Political Influence and Future of Post-Traditionalism
Post-traditionalism, drawing from traditionalist ideologies, continues to shape political landscapes globally. While not a mass ideology due to its complexity, traditionalism attracts intellectuals and political activists, influencing ideologies as observed in leaders like Bolsonaro in Brazil and Dugin in Russia. The rising tide of political right-leaning movements suggests a continued relevance for post-traditionalist philosophies in informing future political developments.
Twenty years ago, it seemed Traditionalism was an esoteric and irrelevant set of beliefs. Since then, powerful people sympathetic to its ideas have overturned that perception. In the US, Russia, and Brazil powerful presidential advisers have drawn on traditionalism to disastrous effect – the Trump presidency and the war in Ukraine both owe something to traditionalism. Mark Sedgwick has written Traditionalism: The Radical Project for Restoring Sacred Order(Oxford UP, 2023) and he has been thinking where Traditionalism – or post Traditionalism - goes now. Listen to him in conversation with Owen Bennett Jones.
Owen Bennett-Jones is a freelance journalist and writer. A former BBC correspondent and presenter he has been a resident foreign correspondent in Bucharest, Geneva, Islamabad, Hanoi and Beirut. He is recently wrote a history of the Bhutto dynasty which was published by Yale University Press.