[BEST OF] Aristocratic Radicalism: Nietzsche and the Politics of Reaction
May 5, 2025
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Matt McManus, a Political Science lecturer at the University of Michigan and author of 'Nietzsche and the Politics of Reaction', sheds light on Friedrich Nietzsche’s misunderstood political philosophy. He challenges the alt-right's misappropriation and explores Nietzsche’s critiques of Christianity and nihilism. The conversation delves into the complexities of his ideas, examining how both the left and right have distorted his legacy. McManus emphasizes the importance of engaging with Nietzsche’s work to avoid reactionary traps while advocating for genuine social change.
Nietzsche's philosophy critiques herd mentality and promotes aristocratic radicalism, challenging both liberal and fascist misinterpretations of his work.
He identifies the 'death of God' as leading to forms of nihilism and argues that modern egalitarian movements stem from a Christian moral foundation.
The podcast suggests that leftists could strategically reclaim certain Christian principles to enrich their discourse on equality and social justice.
Deep dives
Nietzsche as a Reactionary Thinker
Nietzsche is characterized as a fundamentally reactionary political thinker, with his ideas often misunderstood by both the right and the left. His philosophy critiques the herd mentality and promotes a form of aristocratic radicalism. While right-wing ideologies attempt to appropriate Nietzsche to support nationalism or racism, Nietzsche opposed such group identities, emphasizing the importance of individual greatness. He aimed to cultivate a new kind of leader, distinctly separate from the reactionary or populist figures typically arising in political movements.
Critique of Christianity and Nihilism
Nietzsche's criticism of Christianity is central to his view of modernity and nihilism, identifying it as a root cause of contemporary egalitarian movements. He believed that the 'death of God' would lead to various forms of nihilism, including hedonistic or melancholic nihilism. Nietzsche warned that without a strong moral foundation, individuals may resort to passive forms of existence or politically radical ideologies that lack true substance. He viewed socialism and liberalism as secular extensions of Christian ideologies that perpetuated the same problematic egalitarianism that he railed against.
Misunderstandings of Nietzsche's Philosophy
The podcast discusses how influential figures, such as Walter Kaufman, misinterpret Nietzsche's ideas, framing him as apolitical and erroneously detaching his philosophy from its reactionary roots. This has led to widespread misconceptions about his views, where he is misread as supporting fascism or proto-fascism. Such interpretations ignore Nietzsche's disdain for nationalism and emphasize individualism and greatness over group identity. As a result, both contemporary leftists and right-wing thinkers frequently miss essential aspects of Nietzsche's critiques and philosophical contributions.
Ressentiment and Political Dynamics
Nietzsche's concept of ressentiment illustrates how envy and resentment can shape political movements, particularly on the left and right. He argues that leftist movements motivated by ressentiment often turn reactionary, leading to stagnation or a focus on revenge rather than genuine progress. The podcast mentions contemporary examples, such as conservative reactions against student debt forgiveness, which reveal that resentment can emerge not only from the oppressed but also from those in privileged positions. Thus, understanding this dynamic aids in critiquing both left and right political perspectives driven by resentment.
Christianity's Role in Leftist Politics
The podcast highlights the potential for leftists to reclaim elements of Christianity as a basis for egalitarianism, drawing from figures like Cornel West, who connects faith with social justice. Nietzsche's critiques suggest that rather than wholly abandoning religious ethics, leftists could strategically engage with certain principles to further their causes. There exists a historical precedent for this approach, as early socialists often found inspiration in Christian ideals of equality and justice. Embracing this connection might enrich leftist discourse and mobilize broader support for radical egalitarian values.
Professor Matt McManus returns to Rev Left to discuss his latest book, Nietzsche and the Politics of Reaction: Essays on Liberalism, Socialism, and Aristocratic Radicalism—a provocative collection he edited featuring diverse perspectives on one of the most misunderstood thinkers in modern philosophy. We unpack Friedrich Nietzsche’s actual political views, challenge the liberal and fascist misreadings, and explore what the socialist left can critically learn from him. From his attacks on Christianity and herd morality to his complex relationship with nihilism, the death of God, and radical subjectivity—we dive deep into Nietzsche’s legacy and wrestle with how the left can engage him without falling into reactionary traps. A rigorous and fascinating conversation for those who want to sharpen their understanding of western philosophy and break free from lazy and shallow interpretations. Check out more of McManus' work HERE
