Aristotle vs. Evola

Attribute	Aristotle	Evola
Philosophy	Greek philosophy	Traditionalism
Metaphysics	Substance, form, matter	Transcendence, immanence
Politics	Advocated for constitutional government	Advocated for hierarchical society
Religion	Believed in a monotheistic God	Emphasized the importance of tradition and spirituality

Aristotle

Aristotle, a Greek philosopher born in 384 BC, is widely regarded as one of the greatest thinkers in Western philosophy. He was a student of Plato and went on to establish his own school, the Lyceum. Aristotle's work covers a wide range of subjects, including ethics, metaphysics, politics, and logic. One of his most famous contributions is his theory of the four causes, which explains how things come into being and change.

Aristotle believed in the importance of empirical observation and rational thought in understanding the world. He emphasized the concept of virtue ethics, arguing that the goal of human life is to achieve eudaimonia, or flourishing, through the cultivation of moral virtues. Aristotle's ethical framework is based on the idea of finding the mean between extremes, known as the doctrine of the golden mean.

In terms of politics, Aristotle believed in the importance of the polis, or city-state, as the highest form of community. He argued that humans are political animals who thrive in social settings. Aristotle's political philosophy emphasizes the importance of the common good and the role of the state in promoting virtuous behavior among its citizens.

Aristotle's influence on Western thought has been profound, with his ideas shaping fields as diverse as ethics, metaphysics, and political theory. His emphasis on reason, virtue, and the importance of community continues to resonate with contemporary thinkers and scholars.

Evola

Julius Evola, an Italian philosopher born in 1898, is known for his controversial and esoteric views on politics, religion, and society. Evola was a critic of modernity and democracy, advocating for a return to traditional values and hierarchical social structures. He rejected egalitarianism and liberalism, instead promoting the idea of a spiritual elite that would guide society.

Evola's philosophy is influenced by Eastern religions, esotericism, and traditionalism. He believed in the existence of a transcendent reality beyond the material world and sought to awaken individuals to their higher spiritual potential. Evola's writings often explore themes of heroism, initiation, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

In terms of politics, Evola was critical of both capitalism and communism, viewing them as two sides of the same materialistic coin. He advocated for a form of traditionalism that would restore order and hierarchy to society. Evola's ideas have been associated with far-right movements, although he himself rejected being labeled as a fascist or Nazi.

Despite his controversial views, Evola's work continues to attract interest from scholars and thinkers interested in traditionalism, spirituality, and the critique of modernity. His emphasis on the importance of transcendent values and the need for a spiritual awakening in society remains relevant in an age of increasing materialism and secularism.

Comparison

• Both Aristotle and Evola were philosophers who sought to understand the nature of reality and the human condition.
• While Aristotle emphasized reason and empirical observation, Evola focused on spiritual awakening and transcendent values.
• Aristotle's ethics centered on virtue and the cultivation of moral virtues, while Evola's philosophy emphasized heroism and the search for meaning.
• In terms of politics, Aristotle believed in the importance of the polis and the common good, while Evola advocated for a return to traditional values and hierarchical social structures.
• Despite their differences, both philosophers have had a lasting impact on Western thought and continue to be studied and debated by scholars and thinkers.