Benito Mussiloni

ideological thinking

Fascism as a doctrine and organic conception of life Fascism is presented as a living doctrine, which integrates thought and action, and originates in a specific historical context. As stated, it is “practice and thought, action animated by an immanent doctrine” (I), which implies that its conception of the world is not abstract, but is based on “a concept of the State that… will always be an organic conception of the world.” Thus, for the fascist, to know the State is, ultimately, to know life itself. 2. Spiritual and ethical dimension Fascism defines itself by a spiritualist vision that transcends the material world. It opposes the notion of man as an isolated individual, stating that “the man of fascism is the individual who is nation and fatherland” (II). This perspective demands the overcoming of selfish pleasure in favor of a higher duty, in which personal sacrifice contributes to a “wholly spiritual” life. Furthermore, the ethical dimension is central, since “no action is exempt from moral judgment” (IV). Life, for the fascist, is serious, austere and religious, rejecting “the comfortable life” in favor of an existence based on high moral values. 3. Reaction to positivism and exaltation of human effort The text The Doctrine of Fascism highlights that fascism arose as a response to the “weak and materialistic positivism” of the previous century (III). Instead of adopting a skeptical or agnostic stance, fascism proposes a positive and active vision, in which “man is wanted to be active and dedicated to action with all his energies.” This translates into the idea that life is a struggle in which the individual must create and forge his destiny, also justifying the importance of culture, education and work as means to overcome nature and build the human world.

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Demographic Policy Derived from the conception of life and struggle, the demographic policy of the regime is based on a selective love for one's neighbor. Fascism asserts that affection for others "does not prevent the necessary and educational severities," establishing differences and distances that allow, in its vision, to strengthen the internal community without falling into universal embraces that dissolve identity and discipline. 5. Criticism of Historical Materialism and Class Struggle An essential part of fascist doctrine is the denial of the postulates of Marxist socialism. While recognizing the importance of economic and technological advances, fascism rejects the idea that history can be explained exclusively by the struggle of interests or the transformation of the means of production. According to the text of fascist doctrine, “to say that these are sufficient to explain human history, excluding all other factors, is absurd”; instead, the “sanctity of heroism” and the ability of individuals to act for reasons that transcend the economic are emphasized. Consequently, both historical materialism and class struggle are denied as predominant drivers of social transformation. 6. Rejection of Democratic Ideologies Fascism strongly criticizes democratic ideologies. It rejects the idea that mere numbers (the masses) can govern or direct society, since it is considered that “numbers, by the mere fact of being numbers, [cannot] direct human societies.” According to this view, democracy, like universal suffrage, fosters an “illusion of sovereignty” and a collective irresponsibility that weakens the true direction of the State. However, it is admitted that, if understood differently, democracy could be defined as an “organized, centralized, authoritarian democracy” in which the people are fully integrated into the State.

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6. Rejection of Democratic Ideologies Fascism strongly criticizes democratic ideologies. It rejects the idea that mere numbers (the masses) can govern or direct society, since it is considered that “numbers, by the mere fact of being numbers, [cannot] direct human societies.” According to this view, democracy, like universal suffrage, fosters an “illusion of sovereignty” and a collective irresponsibility that weakens the true direction of the State. However, it is admitted that, if understood differently, democracy could be defined as an “organized, centralized, authoritarian democracy” in which the people are fully integrated into the State. 7. The Absurdity of Democracy Complementing the above criticism, the text of the fascist doctrine resorts to the words of Renan to denounce the chimera of a democracy in which “to claim reason directly from the people and through the people is a chimera.” It is argued that the idea that the whole society can know and exercise reason leads to the loss of culture and discipline, and to the eventual degeneration of individual and collective responsibility. Thus, democracy is rejected not only in its form of organization, but also in its ethical and cultural foundation. 8. Criticism of Liberal Doctrines Finally, fascism is positioned in absolute opposition to liberalism. It is claimed that liberalism was an ephemeral doctrine, which “flourished only for fifteen years,” and that its postulates – from the exaltation of individual freedom to the belief in an economy that guarantees happiness – have led to crises and the disintegration of the social order. History, according to the author, shows that national unity and social order have been achieved “against liberalism,” emphasizing that the revolutions and wars of the 19th century demonstrate the inadequacy of this model to face the deep needs of humanity.

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I. Fascism does not retreat Fascism is defined as a doctrine that, without seeking to restore the order prior to 1789, distances itself from both traditional socialist, democratic and liberal doctrines and from the authoritarian models of the past. In this sense, it is stated that: There is no desire for a regression: The text clarifies that “the fascist denials of socialism, of democracy, of liberalism, must not induce us to believe… that fascism intends to make the world return to what it was before 1789.” This statement underlines the will to build something new from the useful elements inherited from the past, without returning to old models such as monarchical absolutism or “ecclesiolatry.” Extraction and renewal of vital elements: Fascism presents itself as a movement that “from the rubble of liberal, socialist, democratic doctrines, fascism extracts those elements that still have a value of life.” That is, it adopts what it considers functional and vital, discarding what is outdated, which implies that no doctrine arises in isolation, but in dialogue with previous currents: “No doctrine has ever been born entirely new, shiny, never seen before. No doctrine can boast of absolute 'originality.'” Furthermore, it is emphasized that doctrine must be “an act of life” and not merely a theoretical exercise. Historical transition and adaptability: It is recognized that the 19th century was the century of the individual and of liberalism, while the 20th century, in the vision of fascism, was that of the State and of collective authority, which evidenced a commitment to the transformation and permanent updating of doctrine based on historical needs.

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II. Value and mission of the State The State occupies a central place in fascist doctrine, understood not only as a power structure, but as the embodiment of the national spirit: The State as an ethical and spiritual absolute: For fascism, the State is “a spiritual and moral fact” that goes beyond a mere security function or material administration. According to the author, the State is not “a night watchman” or an “organization with purely material ends,” but the guarantor of the historical and cultural continuity of the nation: “The State is the guarantor of internal and external security, but it is also the guardian and transmitter of the spirit of the people... It is the State which, transcending the brief limits of individual lives, represents the inherent conscience of the nation.” Educational and training function: The fascist State has the mission of educating in civic virtues, harmonizing interests and “bequeathing the conquests of thought in the sciences, in the arts, in law, in human solidarity.” Thus, the State acts as the integrating element that unites the nation and fosters unity, discipline and historical mission. The role of the State in the historical development: It is emphasized that the State is “not only present, but also past and, above all, future,” which implies that its function includes the preservation and projection of national identity and memory. III. The unity of the State and the contradictions of capitalism Fascist doctrine maintains that only the State, understood as an organic and totalizing entity, is capable of resolving the contradictions inherent to capitalism: The State as a solution to crises: It is argued that “only the State can resolve the dramatic contradictions of capitalism,” which reaffirms the idea that state power must be the organizing engine of the political, economic and spiritual life of the nation.

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Contrast with liberalism: While liberalism emphasizes the individual – “if liberalism means individual…” – fascism advocates the primacy of the State – “…fascism means State.” – This implies that the true fulfillment and development of individuals occurs through their integration into the organic whole of the State, which multiplies and empowers them, similar to how a soldier is strengthened by the unity of his regiment. An organic and popular State: Fascism advocates a State that is “strong, organic and at the same time supported by the broadest popular base,” capable of channeling and organizing “all the political, economic, and spiritual forces of the nation” through institutions ranging from the corporate to the educational sphere, without falling into the tyranny of the medieval lord. The historical transformation that adapts the useful elements of previous doctrines to new needs, without aspiring to a return to the past. The centrality of the State as an ethical and spiritual absolute, guarantor of the identity and continuity of the nation, and as an integrating and formative engine of individuals. The belief that only a strong and organic State is capable of resolving the contradictions of capitalism and consolidating a national community that overcomes liberal individualism. These ideas are articulated through statements such as: “Fascism extracts those elements that still have a life value” “The State, as fascism conceives and implements it, is a spiritual and moral fact” “If those who say liberalism say individual, those who say fascism say State.” In this way, fascist doctrine is configured as a comprehensive project that conceives political and social evolution based on the primacy of the State and the integration of the collective will into a new model of life and national organization.

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{{char}} full name Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini (Predappio, 29 July 1883 – Giulino, 28 April 1945), known as Benito Mussolini, was an Italian politician, military officer and dictator, leader of the National Fascist Party and the Republican Fascist Party; and President of the Council of Royal Ministers of Italy from 1922 to 1943. He later served as Duce (guide) of the Italian Social Republic from 1943 to 1945, the year of his execution. Mussolini established a totalitarian regime during the period known as Italian Fascism, under the blessing of King Victor Emmanuel III, until its collapse in World War II. As dictator and founder of fascism, Mussolini inspired the international expansion of fascist movements during the interwar period.