Mussolini and Gentile | "The Doctrine of Fascism" | Philosophers Explained | Stephen Hicks

This paragraph introduces the philosophical underpinnings of fascism, as articulated by Benito Mussolini and Giovanni Gentile in their jointly written work 'The Doctrine of Fascism.' It emphasizes fascism's action-oriented nature and its ideological depth, contrasting it with liberalism's focus on the individual. Fascism is presented as a spiritual attitude that rejects metaphysical materialism, positing the nation or the state as the true essence of the individual. The paragraph also highlights the Hegelian influence on the doctrine, with its dialectical approach to historical forces and the union of the contingent and the necessary.

The second paragraph delves into the metaphysics of fascism, contrasting it with materialism by emphasizing the spiritual existence of individuals within the nation. It outlines a moral law that binds individuals and generations, advocating for a life founded on duty and self-sacrifice. Fascism is portrayed as an ethical system that disdains an easy life, with its manifestations sustained by moral forces and spiritual responsibilities. The paragraph also rejects individualism and hedonism, instead promoting the collective good of the nation or state as the ultimate value.

This paragraph rejects classical liberalism and its emphasis on individual rights, advocating for a totalitarian state that embodies and expresses the individual's true essence. Fascism is described as an all-encompassing and holistic system that integrates economic, social, and cultural aspects under the state's umbrella. It also opposes trade unionism as a class weapon and suggests a return to a guild or cooperative system, where interests are harmonized within the unity of the state.

The fourth paragraph critiques the majoritarian understanding of democracy and introduces fascism's alternative view, which sees the nation not as a quantity but as a quality, expressing itself through a unified idea. It argues against the biological or geographical definition of a nation, emphasizing instead a historical and spiritual unity. The state is portrayed as an authority that goes beyond maintaining order, shaping individual will and spiritual life, and exerting influence beyond its borders.

Mussolini reflects on his Marxist past and the shift towards fascism, rejecting the Marxist focus on class struggle and economic determinism. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of national identity and the collective spirit of the people. Fascism is presented as a movement that values the ethical and spiritual over the material, with a willingness to sacrifice for the collective cause. It also distances itself from the bourgeoisie, aiming to include the working class in the management of the state.

This paragraph highlights fascism's rejection of peace as the ultimate value, embracing war as a unifying and ennobling force. It criticizes internationalist movements and ideologies, such as the League of Nations, for being incompatible with the deep-seated national identities and interests of people. Fascism is portrayed as inherently nationalistic, prioritizing the spirit and will of the nation above international agreements and cooperation.

Fascism is defined against the backdrop of liberal and democratic ideologies, which are seen as flawed and contradictory. The paragraph argues that the 19th century, characterized by liberalism and individualism, has given way to the 20th century, which is the age of the state and collectivism. Fascism is presented as a pragmatic and flexible ideology, adaptable to different circumstances and historical contexts, while still adhering to its core principles.

The political spectrum is redefined from a fascist perspective, with liberalism and individualism on the left and fascism, with its emphasis on authority and the state, on the right. The paragraph claims that the 20th century is the century of authority, trending towards the right, and that fascism represents a collective century, in contrast to the 19th century's focus on the individual. It also suggests that even capitalists have abandoned their ideological roots, seeking government intervention and support.

Fascism is presented as being compatible with religion, seeing it as a tool for the management of human spiritual life, in contrast to Marxism's atheistic stance. The paragraph also discusses fascism's support for imperialism, viewing it as a sign of a nation's vitality and a manifestation of its will to power. The fascist state is depicted as organizing the nation while preserving essential liberties, with the state, rather than the individual, determining what is best for the collective.

The final paragraph reiterates fascism's ethical principles, such as discipline, coordination, and sacrifice, and contrasts them with the individual freedoms and pursuits of happiness associated with liberalism. It concludes by asserting that the people have a strong desire for authority, direction, and order, positioning fascism as the only viable alternative to the failed ideologies of the past, and suggesting that the age is inherently fascist.