Although historically pessimism has an incredible success rate, there is no denying that it fails and is unable to see important turning points. To say with Carlyle, history shows a process in which lies are repeatedly buried. The pessimist will say, and perhaps rightly so, that new lies will take their place. But it is clear that there is something beneficial in the process, that is, that a lie, losing its strength, makes room for something new to flourish, something previously prevented by the limiting and coercive action of the false. With this, new possibilities; man wins, and history wins. On the other hand, time really seems to induce a balance between excitement and disenchantment. The prudent thing, therefore, is to set aside extreme judgments.
Demons Became a Masterpiece…
It would be interesting to analyze how Demons became a masterpiece despite being conceived by Dostoevsky for ostensibly pamphleteering purposes. It is a real feat that this has happened, since the most likely destination of a work motivated in this way is the trash can. It is impressive not only Dostoevsky’s ability to give scope to the episode, but also the sense of urgency and importance only possible in a true visionary. The work, therefore, ended up being strengthened by the same qualities that ordinarily foul it up. More than a real, complex, original and profound plot, it came out as a denouncement and a prophecy, being equally valuable to philosophers, psychologists and historians. Very few are the works of which one can say the same.
It Is Very Difficult, Today, Not to Sympathize…
It is very difficult, today, not to sympathize with those targeted by the fury of the imbeciles. It is the same feeling inspired by a cowardly action: one instinctively sides with the weaker side. And to see all these public lynchings, all this rabid infamy that tears down reputations and careers overnight, and always insatiable, always looking for the next target, is something that arouses in equal measure disgust and revolt. Who allowed such stupids to have a voice? Even theoretically, the results of Rousseau’s wretched demagogy are all too obvious; but observing them in practice, effective and acclaimed, can only lead to utter misanthropy.
The Investigation of the Origin of Political Ideologies…
Although it is a fifth-rate topic, investigating the origin of the political ideologies that run in the mouths of the masses teaches a bit about the moral corruption of man. The perversity and cynicism of those who give birth to ideologies is astonishing to the most hardened of moralists. Control freaks, experts in the very efficient science of lying, have stripped politics of any morality and turned it into the simple art of machination. It is surprising to see them, with absolute impudence, proclaiming false narratives that cover the vilest interests and that effectively condemn to misery those they ask for—and get!—support. It is a depravity without limits. Instructive, however, as it teaches how low man can sink.