The Golden One

The Uniqueness of Western Law by Richard Storey

Posted on June 16, 2024

I have read The Uniqueness of Western Law – A Reactionary Manifesto by Richard Storey. It is a compilation of compelling essays written from a Libertarian pro-White perspective.

Pro-Church Perspective

Enjoyers of my book reviews will be familiar with the good baron Evola. A reoccurring theme in his work is the conflict between the Ghibellines (supporters of the Emperor) and Guelphs (supporters of the Pope). Storey, in contrast to Evola, writes from a pro-Church perspective. I am not a Christian, but, as everyone knows, I am fair and open-minded – and thus open to new information regarding the Church’s contribution to European civilisation. The author’s main point is that the Church could keep kings from becoming too despotic.

Under the title of Christianity Takes Up the Torch of Hellenistic Natural Law, the author notes the following:

‘Therefore, the European Christendom of the Middle Ages presented a rather unique situation in which there was no state per se. This continued throughout the period primarily because natural law teachings of the Church largely comported with and developed the customary laws of the Germanic tribes, which, as Prof. Gerard Casey eloquently notes, always tend to the natural law anyway, being its ‘local concretization.’’

Richard Storey – The Uniqueness of Western Law – A Reactionary Manifesto. Page 19.

I must contemplate this matter further before elaborating on it. Interesting stuff for sure! He continues on the same page:

‘In Kingship and Law in the Middle Ages, Fritz Kern explored the two major, similar concepts of law which the Church found among the Germanic tribes (the rule of law and the right to resist tyrants). The Church was able to exert a certain amount of influence in limiting the king’s dominium but expanding his imperium, that is, obliging him to ‘rule and defend this realm which is vouchsafed to thee by God’, as the German coronation order of the tenth century provides. Therefore, he was not to exercise any supposed superior rights, as a tyrant. Otherwise, the king was not consecrated or was excommunicated by the Church.’

Richard Storey – The Uniqueness of Western Law – A Reactionary Manifesto. Pages 19-20.

The author goes on to note that a legally absolute king was impossible in the earlier Middle Ages. The author also points to the Indo-European aristocratic tradition of the king being the First Among Equals – this can be contrasted against what is sometimes called Oriental Despotism (where the regent is much higher above the aristocracy). Elsewhere in the book, the author also points to the positive influence of the Church regarding the development of laws.

Christianity and Chastity

Under the title of So, what are the short-term and long-term social benefits of Christianity?, the author shares some insights from Jim Penman. Penman claims that the Church promoted chastity – ‘Other important factors were the promotion of chastity and the nuclear family.’ The chastity of the pre-Christian Germanic peoples are beyond dispute. I have discussed this elsewhere on numerous occasions; I just thought it reasonable to point out this flaw in an otherwise excellent book.

Gothic Liberators

In the essay titled The Uniqueness of Western Law (i.e. the same title as the book itself), the author shares a quote by Prof. Joseph R. Peden. Peden notes that the (Western) Roman bureaucracy of Late Antiquity was so oppressive (in terms of taxation, for example) that the population viewed the state as the enemy. Part of the quote:

‘In other words, the Roman state was the enemy; the barbarians were the liberators….’

Peden – Inflation and the Fall of the Roman Empire.

I thought it was interesting to share this quote since the Goths have been so maligned in recent decades. As I have noted elsewhere, the Rome that Alaric the Great sacked in 410 was a far cry from the Rome of its golden days. On a similar note, one could argue that the Ostrogothic Kingdom of Theodoric was a better place than pre-Gothic Italy. Genetically speaking, Italy returned to a more European configuration after the Germanic invasions (Italy experienced a shift toward non-European genetics during the Imperial Roman period).

I write more about it in my review of Edred Thorsson’s The Mysteries of the Goths (review). I also elaborate on the matter in Demigod Mentality and Podcast Episode 30. The Gothic Heirs of Rome.

Iran & Rumi

In the essay titled In Search of Non-White Philosophers, the author responds to a demand (to have more non-White philosophers as part of the curriculum) by philosophy students from SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies). In the essay he notes that most philosophers have, in fact, been White. This is, most likely, no news to readers of my reviews. Something I thought would be interesting to share, however, is the following – the author refers to Jason Reza Jorjani, who notes that when the great Sufi mystic Rumi was born in 1207, Khorosan was still ethnically White. The author also notes that Khorosan was a hotbed for esoteric interpretations of the Koran. Moreover, the author says the following:

‘Yes, Zoroastrianism was developed by white people. Furthermore, the greatest Islamic philosophy was produced by brilliant Iranians, despite Islam, and their work was based heavily on Plato and Aristotle – yet more white men.’

Richard Storey – The Uniqueness of Western Law – A Reactionary Manifesto. Page 59.

I recently reviewed Rumi’s Four Essential Practices by Will Johnson (review). Regarding the Iranian tradition, I reviewed Original Magic by Stephen E. Flowers (review).

Conclusion

The book has 147 pages, including an afterword by Ricardo Duchesne, and is well written. It is suitable for those new to Right-Wing thought; he explains in a clear and concise fashion the drawbacks of multi-ethnic societies (lowering of trust, for example) as well as discussing fundamental biological realities (IQ, time-preference, etc.) among other important issues. The book is also interesting for those already familiar with the essentials – on a personal note, I found his views on the Church as a Libertarian highly interesting. I can definitely recommend The Uniqueness of Western Law. Onwards!

The Myth of the Blood by Julius Evola

Posted on June 14, 2024

I have read The Myth of the Blood – The Genesis of Racialism by Julius Evola.

The City of the Sun

In the chapter titled Origins, Evola introduces the heroic vision of the Italian philosopher and theologian Tomaso Campanella (1589–1639). Campanella’s idea state, the City of the Sun, is described thus:

‘The “Solarians,” who rule in his hypothetic State, mock the Europeans of the time, who “dedicate themselves with great care to the improvement of the race of dogs and horses, and do not deign to occupy themselves with the race of Men.” The Solarians have rather created in their State a ministry which, aided by competent men, by doctors and astrologers, controls all unions between men and women. The authorization of this ministry is necessary in the “city of the sun” not only for marriages, but also for engendering and baptizing children. The purpose is the formation “of the most beautiful race possible.”’

Julius Evola – The Myth of the Blood. Pages 5-6.

I must become further acquainted with the works of Campanella before elaborating further. What I can say for now is that is indeed in the interest of a nation (and all of humanity and creation) to promote eugenics and to halt dysgenic developments.

The Aryans

In the chapter titled The Doctrine of the Count Gobineau, Evola shares the insights of ‘the steampunk father of scientific racism’ as Bronze Age Pervert calls him. In regard to the Iranian tradition, he notes the following:

‘The Aryans are conceived as the friends, the faithful, and the allies of the God of Light, who combat for him against the God of Shadows, Ahriman, and against his emissaries.’

Julius Evola – The Myth of the Blood. Page 23.

As will be familiar to Enjoyers of my content, the Iranian Aryans descended from the Corded Ware Culture of Europe. He continues:

‘The name ârya has been sought also in Europe. The ancient name of Ireland, Erin, Erenn, has been referred back to it, and a corresponding trace is thought to be found in the Irish term aire, which means “lord.”’

Julius Evola – The Myth of the Blood. Page 23.

And, moreover:

‘Gobineau finds the concept of light, of splendor, at the center of the spiritualty of the Arya race. The Aryan gods are essentially divinities of light, of solar splendor, of the luminous sky, of the day.’

Julius Evola – The Myth of the Blood. Page 24.

Pictured below: An Emissary of Divine Splendour contemplating the mysteries of the Universe.

Democratico-Jacobin

In the chapter titled Developments, Evola also discusses the teachings of Gobineau:

‘Against the democratico-Jacobin principle of equality, he affirms the principle of humans difference. Against the Enlightenment cult of reason, he affirms the superiority of gifts that are not leaned and that have root in the blood, in the race.’

Julius Evola – The Myth of the Blood. Page 29.

I mainly thought to share this quote because I found the term Democratico-Jacobin useful and fun. Moreover, it is natural that Gobineau, a French aristocrat, should be averse to the French Revolution and its consequences.

Conclusion

I would not necessarily recommend The Myth of the Blood. The book mainly consists of Evola presenting the (often outdated) views of other scholars. So, it is not so much of Evola’s own views that are being discussed. For his own analyses regarding race, I would rather recommend Metaphysics of Power or Revolt Against the Modern World. I am an Evola Autist, so I must read all of his works!

Archeofuturism by Guillaume Faye

Posted on June 12, 2024

I have read Guillaume Faye‘s great classic Archeofuturism – European Visions of the Post-Catastrophic Age.

Metapolitics & Politics

In the chapter titled An Assessment of the Nouvelle Driote, the author discusses and analyses the French New Right. I found this chapter particularly interesting, especially since he critically looks at the New Right (of which he was a part of) and does not refrain from bringing up their weaknesses and failures. He says the following about metapolitics, for example:

‘In order to prove effective, ideological and cultural action must be supported by concrete political forces which it integrates and extends.’

Guillaume Faye – Archeofuturism. Page 29.

This is a simple but vital insight that we need to repeat. We can win non-stop in the metapolitical arena (which we do, by the way) but without having actors in the political arena, real change will not come. Metapolitics and politics must work in tandem. This is why we should encourage young men to go into politics. If we do not contest the political arena, our opponents will simply win by default.

Third-Worldism

In the same chapter, he discusses a topic that has been the subject of discussion in recent times as well – namely, Third-Worldism. This reminds us of a recent debate (sparked by the most recent Israel-Palestine conflict).

‘Fifth ideological mistake: Third-Worldism. I have fully contributed to this and am willing to exercise self-criticism. Alain de Benoist’s essay Europe-Tiers-même combat, a crucial work on the matter, and the articles I myself wrote on the issue in the early 1980s, driven by misdirected anti-Americanism, have been ideological and strategic impasses which have worried me since. No folk in history fights ‘the same battle’ as other peoples: every alliance is temporary.’

Guillaume Faye – Archeofuturism. Page 37.

My position is (as I have noted previously) quite straightforward – I am always for European civilisation. If I am against something, it is only in relation to being for our side. This is also why you will not see me voicing support for either Israel or Palestine.

Realism & Realism

A passage I found particularly good was the following:

‘I reproach Nouvelle Droit for its adherence to a worldview that is undermined by a devastating concept: ‘realism’ – which often takes the form of disheartened fatalism.
I am Nietzschean and do not like the term ‘realist’. History is not realist.’

Guillaume Faye – Archeofuturism. Page 42.

Great stuff! I have emphasised this quite a bit myself over the last year – i.e. correctly identifying the fact that you can change reality via your will-power. I will return to this topic as it is of vital importance.

Archeofuturism

As for the title of the book itself, the following quote explains it fairly well:

‘The second axis may be defined as Archeofuturism: to envisage a future society that combines techno-scientific progress with a return to the traditional answers that stretch back into the mists of time.’

Guillaume Faye – Archeofuturism. Page 45.

The quote continues:

‘It is necessary to reconcile Evola and Marinetti, and do away with the notion of ‘modernity’ produced by Enlightenment ideology. The Ancients must be associated not with the Moderns but with the Futurists.’

Guillaume Faye – Archeofuturism. Page 45.

The Great Baron needs no further introduction. Marinetti was the founder of the Italian Futurist movement. Warhammer 40 000 comes quite close to a representation of Archeofuturism – the Space Marines can be seen as initiatory Männerbund (i.e. a traditional answer that stretches back in time) combined with techno-scientific progress. Pictured below: Yours truly depicted by Alex Cristi as the Primarch Fulgrim.

A True Politician

I found the following passage profound and inspiring:

‘The true politician is an artist, a drafter of projects, a sculptor of history. He is someone who can immediately answer the questions: Who is part of my people and what are their values? Who are its enemies and how can we fight and defeat them? And finally: What destiny should we choose to acquire power and carve out a place for ourselves in history?’

Guillaume Faye – Archeofuturism. Page 153.

The True Politician can be contrasted against the career politician. Needless to say, we need many a True Politician at the moment!

Conclusion

Archeofuturism has 249 pages and contains plenty of valuable insights (the ones shared above are but a few – I could have made this review a lot longer). There are a few ideas that are a bit outdated (Eurosiberianism, for example) and I do not agree with all of his points, but overall it is a great book that I can definitely recommend. I would also say that this is a good starting point for those who would like to get further acquainted with the work of Faye.

Onwards!

Esoteric Reading List

Posted on June 10, 2024

Here is a list of spiritually orientated books that I found particularly insightful. Including the books in this list does not mean that I endorse all of the statements and teachings in the books, nor does it mean an endorsement of the authors per se. The list is meant to be beginner friendly; all of the books presented below can be read without extensive previous knowledge. The books below are presented in no particular order. The list will be updated should I find more books that fit the list. I will compose a socio-political reading list later on.

Above all else, I must throw my humility aside and recommend Dauntless and Demigod Mentality – not only because they are my own books but also because they will give you a good foundation to stand on.

Mircea Eliade‘s great classic The Myth of the Eternal Return. This book is great for understanding the mythical worldview of the archaic (or Traditional) man. Read my review of it here.

The Germanization of Early Medieval Christianity is a great book for understanding the spiritually of the Middle Ages – what one could call a period of Syncretic Paganism and Christianity. Read my review of it here.

The Northern Dawn by Stephen E. Flowers is similar to The Germanization of Early Medieval Christianity but is less academic in its style. Read my review of it here.

The Culture of the Teutons by Vilhelm Grønbech provides great insights into the worldview of the Germanic peoples – the Scandinavians of the Viking Age in particular. I discuss this book (volume 1 & 2) in Podcast Episode 45. Viking Worldview.

Temple of the Cosmos by Jeremy Naydler is an excellent book on Egyptian religion and worldview. Understanding Egyptian religion is good for understanding religion overall. Read my review of it here.

In Nietzsche‘s Coming God, Abir Taha does great work in presenting Nietzsche‘s spiritual views. Nietzsche‘s books are quite dense and not always easy reads; Taha distils her insights and presents them in a concise fashion. Read my review of it here.

Calling Us Home by Chris Lüttichau is a good book for those interested in animism and shamanism. Read my review of it here.

The One-eyed God by Kris Kershaw is an excellent academic book about the religious attitudes of the Aryans (Indo-Europeans). It is quite hard to come by (hopefully a re-print of it will come out). Read my review of it here.

The legendary Julius Evola wrote many books. His socio-political commentary is (in my humble opinion) not very interesting. His esoterico-magical and esoterico-historical writings, on the other hand, are highly interesting and insightful. Metaphysics of Power and Metaphysics of War are two good starting points. For those who would like to go further, Revolt Against the Modern World (review), Men Among the Ruins (review), The Mystery of the Grail (review), and Introduction to Magic (review 1, review 2) are good follow-ups.

Meditations on the Peaks by Julius Evola is a concise compilation of essays. This book could, just as The Mystery of the Grail, serve as an Evolian starting point. Read my review of it here.

The Serpent Symbol in Tradition by Charles William Dailey contains a wealth of spiritual knowledge. The book also introduces the thoughts of great scholars of Tradition such as Mircea Eliade and René Guénon. Read my review of it here.

Icelandic Magic by Stephen E. Flowers was one of the first esoteric books I read. It is a concise read and presents the Icelandic magical tradition. Read my review of it here.

Yukio Mishima’s great classic Sun and Steel. It is a beautiful book, especially relevant for those who pray in the Temple of Iron. Read my review of it here.

The Pagan Book of Days by Nigel Pennick contains a list of Pagan holy days throughout the year. It is a good resource for those who would like to include more ceremonies and celebrations in their lives. I made a video about the book which can be seen here.

The Mysteries of Mithras by Payam Nabarz is a great introduction to Mithras and Mithra (i.e. the Roman God Mithras and the Iranian God Mithra). Read my review of it here.

The Lightning and the Sun by Savitri Devi is an interesting book that gives a spiritual dimension to history. I elaborate at length about her book in Podcast Episode 44. The Lightning and the Sun.