/lit/ - Literature

>>10971265
As others have said in recent threads, the present dogma of so-called liberal humanism, which some claim is a natural evolution of Christianity, is serving as an antidote to the nihilism wrought by the death of god. Those that adhere to this belief are men that believe in a future beyond the moon.

If we lose faith in this sort of rationalism, that is, the belief that through reason we can conquer, or a least know the nature universe, what could possibly follow? Some could argue that it will be at this point that true nihilism will inundate mankind. I am of the view that while some have been affected by the loss of faith, society in general has not yet moved into a state of utter despair.

If man ever loses faith in his own ability, would a return to a more traditional, perhaps mystical faith be possible? Maybe. But wouldn’t this reversion be nothing more than a retreat, akin to the end of the classical age? Certain scholars have argued for a sort of restraining force to hold back the hubris of man. This idea of traditionalism is a compelling one - many on this board adhere to it. Yet I can’t help but imagine that this model, unlike the more common linear or cyclical conceptions of history, could look more like a bell curve, a progression that descends inevitably into barbarism.

However, from another angle this sort future appears to be a mere period of postponement. Man has an inherent drive to become divine - the tree of life still eludes us. Even if we were to retreat from the precipice where we now find ourselves, would future generations strive to return this place? Didn’t the Renaissance scholars aim to replicate the greatness of antiquity? If this Promethean urge is inevitable, how do we reckon with it? Are we damned to depravity or is it possible overcome this condition?

>Aladdin's Problem - Ernst Jünger
>Snows of Yesteryear - Gregor Von Rezzori
>Submission - Michel Houellebecq
>Rings of Saturn - WB Sebald
>They Were Counted, They Were Found Wanting, They Were Divided - Miklos Banffy