Episode 1026: Samuel Francis' Review of The Machiavellians w/ Aaron from Timeline Earth
Mar 14, 2024
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Exploring the transition of Burnham's ideologies, analyzing Machiavellian views on human nature, critiquing Burnham from a Marxist perspective, discussing societal collapse by 2030, delving into elite theories and power dynamics, and navigating industry choices for stability.
Foxes in governance utilize cunning and manipulation, while Lions rely on force, reflecting elite composition dynamics.
Elite equilibrium involves balancing class one innovation and class two tradition to prevent corruption and disorder.
Circulation of elites sustains stability by gradual renewal, avoiding rapid replacements that lead to unrest.
Deep dives
The Nature of Rulers – Foxes and Lions
Burnham and his co-host, in reviewing Machiavelli's distinction between Foxes and Lions among rulers, emphasized that Foxes exhibit cunning, deceit, and rely on verbal and intellectual skills, while Lions are driven by force. The distinction corresponds to an elite's composition, where those with class one residues rely on manipulation and innovation, matching Machiavelli's Foxes.
Elite Psychology and Persistence
Pareto introduced psychological aspects of elites, aligning with Machiavelli's Foxes and Lions. Class two residues in an elite are linked to the strengths of force, conservatism, and loyalty to traditions like family or nation, contrasting with class one residues known for innovation and adaptability. An ideal elite maintains equilibrium between these elements to avoid imbalance and ensure effective governance.
Circulation of Elites and Societal Stability
The concept of 'circulation of elites' denotes the continuous renewal and expulsion of elements within an elite. A healthy elite undergoes gradual changes to prevent stagnation or revolution. Imbalances in class one or class two residues can destabilize an elite, leading to corruption and disorder. Rapid changes or replacement of elites often result in societal unrest and potential revolution.
The Theory of Elites and Socio-Political Checks
The podcast delves into the theory of elites as outlined by Moscow and Pareto, emphasizing the importance of a healthy elite composition that evolves gradually without monopolizing power. Moscow highlights the significance of diverse social forces within elites, each pursuing distinct interests based on activities like agriculture or education. These internal social forces prevent the accumulation of arbitrary power and maintain a balanced elite structure, akin to juridical defense or the rule of law.
The Managerial Revolution and Juridical Defense
The episode discusses Burnham's concept of the managerial revolution, where the capitalist elite faces a crisis due to technological advancements, resulting in a rise of a dynamic managerial class. Burnham observes a shift towards state control of the economy and a fusion of economic and social forces within the state apparatus. This transformation leads to a unitary and powerful state favored by the managerial class, potentially eroding liberty and creating a totalitarian political reality.
