The Longing for Total Revolution Reconsidered: Rousseau, Marx, Nietzsche, and Modernity

Bernard Yack's 1986 book The Longing for Total Revolution: Philosophic Sources of Discontent from Rousseau to Marx and Nietzsche argued that Rousseau inspired a line of philosophy that viewed modernity as dehumanizing and that a total revolution against it is necessary. Seven political theorists and historians reconsidered the book's innovations, limitations, and current relevance in a volume published by the Critical Review. Contributors discussed left Kantianism, the theological origins of the longing for revolution, the connection to twentieth-century totalitarianism, and critical genealogy. The book concludes with Yack's response to the other contributors.

Format: Hardback
Length: 124 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In his groundbreaking work, "The Longing for Total Revolution: Philosophic Sources of Discontent from Rousseau to Marx and Nietzsche" (1986), Bernard Yack, a renowned intellectual historian and political theorist, presented a comprehensive reinterpretation of modern thought. Yack contended that Rousseau's ideas sparked a philosophical lineage that extended from Kant to Hegel, Marx, and Nietzsche, ultimately viewing modernity as dehumanizing. This perspective, which became increasingly evident over time, led to the notion that a complete revolution against modernity was necessary.

To explore the profound implications of Yack's thesis, this volume brings together seven esteemed political theorists and historians, including Yack himself. Contributors to the book delve into various aspects of Yack's work, discussing topics such as left Kantianism in historical context, the theological roots of the longing for total revolution, the connections between this tradition and twentieth-century totalitarianism, and the innovative form of critical genealogy pioneered by Yack's book.

The volume concludes with Yack's response to the chapters contributed by the other contributors, offering a thoughtful and engaging dialogue on the key themes raised throughout. This book, originally published as a special issue of the "Critical Review," is a seminal contribution to the study of modern philosophy and politics.

Introduction:
Bernard Yack's "The Longing for Total Revolution: Philosophic Sources of Discontent from Rousseau to Marx and Nietzsche" (1986) is a seminal work that has profoundly impacted the study of modern thought. In this volume, seven political theorists and historians, including Yack himself, reassess the book's substantive and methodological innovations, its limitations, and its ongoing relevance. Contributors to the book explore various aspects of Yack's work, including left Kantianism in historical context, the theological origins of the longing for total revolution, the connections between this tradition and twentieth-century totalitarianism, and the unique form of critical genealogy pioneered by Yack.

Left Kantianism in Historical Context:
Several contributors to the volume discuss left Kantianism in the historical context of Yack's work. They argue that Yack's interpretation of Kant's philosophy provides a valuable framework for understanding the political and social dynamics of modernity. They highlight the importance of Kant's distinction between the moral and the political, as well as his emphasis on the importance of individual freedom and autonomy. However, contributors also note that Yack's interpretation of Kant may be overly simplistic and neglects the complexities of Kant's thought.

Theological Origins of the Longing for Total Revolution:
Another key theme explored in the volume is the theological origins of the longing for total revolution. Contributors argue that the desire for a complete break from modernity is rooted in a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the dominant religious and philosophical traditions of the time. They trace the origins of this longing back to the Enlightenment, when thinkers such as Rousseau and Voltaire challenged the authority of religious institutions and the established order.

Connections to Twentieth-Century Totalitarianism:
The volume also examines the connections between the longing for total revolution and twentieth-century totalitarianism. Contributors argue that the desire for a total revolution against modernity can lead to extreme and authoritarian forms of political control. They note that totalitarian regimes often use religious or ideological rhetoric to justify their actions and suppress dissent. However, contributors also point out that the longing for total revolution can manifest in different ways, and not all forms of political violence or authoritarianism can be attributed solely to this desire.

Critical Genealogy:
Yack's book is known for its innovative form of critical genealogy, which involves tracing the historical roots of contemporary ideologies and institutions. In this volume, contributors discuss the methodological implications of critical genealogy and its potential for understanding the political and social dynamics of modernity. They argue that critical genealogy can help us identify the underlying assumptions and beliefs that shape our contemporary world and challenge them.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, "The Longing for Total Revolution: Philosophic Sources of Discontent from Rousseau to Marx and Nietzsche" is a thought-provoking and influential work that has had a lasting impact on the study of modern thought. This volume provides a valuable exploration of the philosophical roots of the longing for total revolution, its connections to twentieth-century totalitarianism, and the methodological innovations pioneered by Yack. By reassessing the book's significance and relevance, contributors to this volume contribute to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of modern politics and society.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032356518