Julius Evola (1898–1974) was an Italian philosopher, magician, painter, occultist, and writer known for his controversial views on race, society, and mysticism. Born in Rome to a family from Sicily, he began his intellectual career as a member of the European avant-garde [7]. After serving as an artillery officer during World War I, he became a painter associated with the Dada movement and then became affiliated with the Futurist movement under the leadership of Filippo Tommaso Marinetti [8].
Evola's philosophical outlook included esoteric mystical beliefs and the idea that significant elements of European civilization stemmed from a northern race linked to the mythical Atlantis. Although he never formally joined a political party, his writings during the 1930s and 1940s suggested an alignment with fascist ideologies, particularly with figures like Mussolini [8].
One of Evola's most influential works is "Revolt Against the Modern World" (1934), in which he criticizes modernity, democracy, and egalitarianism, and advocates for a return to traditional elitist values. His ideas have been described as an esoteric form of Fascism and have persisted in publication, resonating with certain ideological movements today [8].
Evola continued to write on various esoteric topics after being wounded in World War II, which left him paralyzed. Despite facing legal challenges in post-war Italy, his legacy endures, marked by a dedicated following and an ongoing debate about his impact on contemporary extremist thought [8].
Notable quotes from Evola include:
* "Neither pleasure nor pain should enter as motives when one must do what must be done." [6] * "The blood of the heroes is closer to God than the ink of the philosophers and the prayers of the faithful." [6] * "Be radical, have principles, be absolute, be that which the bourgeoisie calls an extremist: give yourself without counting or calculating, don't accept what they call ‘the reality of life' and act in such a way that you won't be accepted by that kind of ‘life', never abandon the principle of struggle." [6]
References:
* [1]: "Julius Evola | Book by Gianfranco de Turris", Simon & Schuster, * [2]: "Julius Evola | Biography | Research Starters", EBSCO, * [3]: "Quotes by Julius Evola (Author of Revolt Against the Modern World)", Goodreads, * [4]: "Julius Evola", The European Conservative, * [6]: "Julius Evola Quotes (Author of Revolt Against the Modern World)", Goodreads, * [7]: "Julius Evola | Book by Gianfranco de Turris", Simon & Schuster, * [8]: "Julius Evola | Biography | Research Starters", EBSCO,