The far Left's/Right's Playbook: Sorelianism

 

Georges Eugène Sorel was a French philosopher, political theorist, and revolutionary syndicalist who lived from 1847 to 1922. Sorel is known for his contributions to the development of revolutionary syndicalism. This political ideology emphasizes direct action, strikes, and other industrial acts to bring revolutionary change.

Sorel believed traditional Marxism was overly deterministic and could not inspire workers to act directly. Instead, he advocated for a more revisionist interpretation of Marxism that emphasized the importance of myths, symbols, and emotions in the revolutionary process. Sorel believed that the working class could only be motivated to take action if they had a powerful and inspiring myth to believe in, such as the myth of the general strike.

Sorel's ideas had a significant impact on the political movements of the early 20th century, particularly in France and Italy. Sorel's work was embraced by both the far left and the far right, as his ideas about the importance of myths and symbols were seen as a way to inspire and motivate people to action.

On the far left, Sorel's ideas were embraced by revolutionary syndicalists who saw his ideas as a way to revitalize the labour movement. These syndicalists rejected parliamentary politics and advocated for direct action, including strikes and sabotage, to bring about revolutionary change. Sorel's ideas were particularly influential in France, where the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) adopted his ideas and became the leading force in the revolutionary syndicalist movement.

On the far right, Sorel's ideas were embraced by thinkers such as Julius Evola and Benito Mussolini. These thinkers saw Sorel's ideas as a way to inspire a new fascist movement to overthrow the liberal democratic order. They rejected the Enlightenment values of reason and rationality and instead embraced the use of myths, symbols, and emotions to mobilize the masses.

Although Sorel was a committed socialist and an opponent of fascism and democracy, his ideas supported far-left and far-right political movements. Sorelianism refers to advocating for or supporting Sorel's ideas, regardless of whether they support left-wing or right-wing political movements.

Georges Eugène Sorel was an important figure in the development of revolutionary syndicalism. His ideas about the importance of myths and symbols continue to impact political movements today. However, his ideas have been interpreted in very different ways by both the far left and the far right, which is a testament to the complexity and nuance of his thought. While Sorel would likely be appalled by how extremist movements have co-opted his ideas, his work remains essential to political theory and the study of radical politics.