Julius Evola

Philosopher, Artist, Esotericist

Biography

Julius Evola (1898-1974) was an Italian philosopher, artist, and esotericist, sometimes labeled as a "radical traditionalist". He viewed his beliefs as traditionalist, aristocratic, martial, and imperialist. Evola was a severe critic of modern Western civilization, which he perceived as being in a state of decadence (the Hindu Kali Yuga). He wrote widely on Eastern religions, alchemy, sexuality, politics, and mythology.

Initially involved in the European avant-garde, including Dadaism and Futurism, Evola later shifted his focus from art to philosophy and esotericism. He was associated with the Ur Group, which explored and practiced ancient rituals.

Evola's life and work were marked by his opposition to modern Western values and his advocacy for a return to what he considered to be "traditional" societal structures and values.

Key Aspects of his Philosophy

Traditionalism and Anti-Modernism

Evola rejected the modern world, including democracy, liberalism, and materialism, advocating for a return to what he considered to be a "world of Tradition." He believed traditional societies were structured hierarchically, with warriors and aristocracy holding a prominent place. Evola's concept of tradition was based on eternal, supernatural knowledge and emphasized values such as authority, hierarchy, order, discipline, and obedience.

Magical Idealism

Evola's early philosophical work in the 1920s focused on "magical idealism," which proposed that the individual ego should strive to overcome limitations and create its own divinity. He viewed this path as leading to "absolute power" and freedom.

Esotericism and Occultism

Evola had a deep interest in esoteric traditions, including alchemy, magic, Hermeticism, and Eastern mysticism, especially Tibetan Tantric yoga. He was associated with the Ur Group, an organization that explored and practiced ancient rituals from various mystery traditions.

Spirituality and Action

Evola saw spirituality in terms of achieving superiority and noble demeanor. He believed in the importance of action, particularly for "differentiated individuals" and "virile heroes" who could use "dark violent sexual powers" against the modern world.

Influence

Evola's thought has resonated primarily within the realms of philosophy, spirituality, and esotericism. His writings on tradition, metaphysics, and the pursuit of higher consciousness have influenced scholars, thinkers, and practitioners interested in the intersection of Western and Eastern spiritual traditions. Evola’s work inspired explorations of hierarchical and transcendental concepts of human development, as well as a focus on inner discipline, self-overcoming, and the cultivation of what he termed “differentiated individuals.” His ideas continue to be studied in the context of metaphysical philosophy, traditionalist thought, and the history of esotericism.

Key Works