What We Must Understand About the Dark Enlightenment Movement
By Ed Simon – Ideas / Politics
Published March 24 2025
Overview
The “Dark Enlightenment” (also called neoreaction or NRx) is a far‑right philosophical current that rejects liberal democracy in favor of a techno‑authoritarian, hierarchical society. Its most vocal proponent is software engineer and blogger Curtis Yarvin (who writes under the pseudonym Mencius Moldbug). The movement draws inspiration from early 20th‑century futurist ideas and from British philosopher Nick Land, whose Cybernetic Culture Research Unit at Warwick University promoted a blend of technological utopianism and deep misanthropy.
Historical Parallel
- Filippo Tommaso Marinetti (founder of Futurism) celebrated cars, speed, and violence, rejecting egalitarianism and democracy. His 1909 Founding and Manifesto of Futurism called for the destruction of museums, libraries, and academies—a rhetoric that foreshadowed fascism.
- The article likens Marinetti’s anti‑democratic stance to today’s Dark Enlightenment, suggesting a continuity of reactionary modernism.
Core Tenets of the Dark Enlightenment
IdeaDescriptionTechno‑feudalismGovernment should operate like a corporation, with a “CEO‑president” at the top.Hierarchy & ElitismSociety is viewed as a dominance‑submission structure; only “great men” (often guided by algorithms/AI) should lead.Anti‑DemocracyDemocracy is seen as inefficient and corrupt; the movement advocates replacing it with a centralized, authoritarian rule.The “Cathedral”A term Yarvin uses for the network of universities, mainstream media, and nonprofits that shape public discourse. He argues these institutions must be dismantled.RAGE (Retire All Government Employees)A strategic program calling for the wholesale replacement of the civil service with loyalists.
Key Figures & Influence
- Curtis Yarvin – Writes extensively on “techno‑authoritarianism”; his blog Unqualified Reservations popularized the movement. |
- Nick Land – Early theorist, advocating for AI‑driven governance and expressing nihilistic, anti‑human sentiments. |
- Peter Thiel – Venture capitalist who has cited Yarvin’s ideas; funded Yarvin’s startup Urbit via Founders Fund. |
- Marc Andreessen – Has quoted Yarvin publicly and described him as a “friend.” |
- Elon Musk – While not openly endorsing Yarvin, Musk’s 2020 comment that “government is simply the largest corporation” echoes similar thinking. |
- J.D. Vance – Vice‑president‑candidate and Thiel protégé; has spoken admiringly of Yarvin’s influence. |
- Donald Trump – Hosted Yarvin at a “Coronation Ball” (Jan 2025); the administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) reportedly pursued policies aligned with Yarvin’s “hard reboot” agenda. |
Recent Developments (2024‑2025)
- Political Reach – Yarvin attended a high‑profile Trump event in January 2025. Vance praised Yarvin’s impact on his own thinking in a July 2024 podcast. Andreessen allegedly recruited candidates for the Trump administration, per a Washington Post report (Jan 2025). |
- Government Actions – DOGE has reportedly terminated ~30,000 federal employees across agencies (FDA, NPS, FAA) in the name of “efficiency.” |
- Public Messaging – Trump posted a doctored image of himself wearing a crown (“Long Live the King!”) on Truth Social (Feb 2025), echoing Yarvin’s monarchist aspirations. |
Ideological Roots
- Futurism – Marinetti’s glorification of speed, technology, and violence as a means to overturn existing cultural institutions. |
- Reactionary Modernism – Historian Jeffrey Herf’s term for movements that combine modern technology with anti‑liberal, authoritarian visions. |
- Cybernetic Culture Research Unit (CCRU) – Nick Land’s group that explored the intersection of cybernetics, post‑structural theory, and radical anti‑democratic thought. |
Why It Matters
Understanding the Dark Enlightenment helps explain:
- Tech‑Industry‑Politics Nexus – How certain Silicon Valley figures adopt anti‑democratic philosophies and influence policy.
- Potential Threats to Democratic Institutions – The movement’s calls for dismantling universities, media, and the civil service could translate into concrete policy if adopted by elected officials.
- Historical Echoes – Parallels with early 20th‑century fascist and futurist ideologies remind us that technocratic authoritarianism is not a new phenomenon, merely repackaged for the digital age.
Takeaway
The Dark Enlightenment blends a nostalgic reverence for hierarchy with a futuristic faith in technology and corporate governance. Its proponents, notably Curtis Yarvin, have cultivated ties with influential tech leaders and, increasingly, with political actors. Recognizing the movement’s arguments, historical antecedents, and current footholds is essential for anyone concerned about the resilience of democratic norms in an era of rapid technological change.
If you’d like a deeper dive into any specific aspect—e.g., Yarvin’s writings, Nick Land’s philosophy, or the policy implications for government reform—just let me know!
Philosophyonx@pocketcomputer.net