Tracing the Origins of Progressivism
a quick disclaimer
I am about to begin a multi-part series tracing the origins of Progressivism as an ideology. I will not be the first to do so, nor will I be the last. I will, however, be looking at things through a slightly more thorough lens, going back further in history than most and explaining how and why certain philosophical traditions have developed in the manner which they have. This essay is merely a disclaimer which I will link within all future iterations of the series to avoid repeating myself.
I believe this project is a particularly timely one. If the optimists among us are correct, (and I would like to believe them at least partially so), then it is now possible to grab our enemy by his throat and thrash him. However, this is not useful if we can’t understand how he got here in the first place. Therefore I believe that an in-depth analysis of the subject is crucial.
Lastly, I must admit that I find those who are overly optimistic about current events a bit eager. While we are winning some political victories, (ones which must still be upheld by a court and legislative system), it is possible that we are not getting to the root of the problem. A guerilla who has a sanctuary where he is able to rearm and refurnish at will is rarely defeated. While in today’s government it has typically been those like myself who have had to hide our opinions and goals, this was not always the case. Our enemy was once very adept at doing this, and it is possible that he will revert back to his old tricks. This has already been clear in the multitude of media leaks within the past week. The enemy has also intentionally pushed through the executive orders given in the most sporadic and bipolar manner he can in order to make the new regime appear frantic and unhinged. These tricks are not going anywhere.
On to the disclaimer
In analyzing various philosophical traditions, I will naturally insult those who may subscribe to these schools of thought, or are at least sympathetic to them. I must clarify in advance that just because something is a necessary prerequisite for Progressivism to exist, this fact alone does not make the thing in of itself Progressivism. This same logic will also apply later to Religion. As an example, Progressivism would find it very difficult to exist without the introduction of a universalizing faith of some manner. This does not disprove universalizing faiths.
In a similar vein, Progressivism has many tenets, both now and historical. Not all of these have been incorrect or morally wrong. So if, somehow, the reader finds themselves sympathetic to Progressive causes, just note that I am an enjoyer of National Parks myself. One can reject the ideology without rejecting everything said or done by its politicos.
Despite this, I have found the trajectory of Progressive thought and the society which has been constructed around it to be dangerous at best. This school of thought has developed in a manner which is deadly to the nations and peoples whom it infects. Furthermore, the societies run on a Progressive philosophy are prison-like to those who are like me. Because of this, it is my intention to put every effort into eradicating such schools of thought from respectable society. This project is a beginning.