How to Save the West

1. The West faces crises of reality, body, meaning, religion, and regime

We are starting to feel as if all of our efforts are in vain because the time is simply past for repentance.

Five fundamental crises. The West is grappling with profound challenges that threaten its foundations:

• Reality crisis: Struggle between objective truth and relativism
• Body crisis: Tension between accepting our physical form and transcending it
• Meaning crisis: Quest for purpose in a materialist world
• Religion crisis: Conflict between scientific materialism and spiritual belief
• Regime crisis: Instability in political systems and global power

These crises are interconnected and stem from the erosion of traditional Western values and beliefs. They manifest in various ways, from debates over gender identity to the rise of virtual reality and the decline of religious faith. Addressing these crises requires a renewed commitment to the core principles that have shaped Western civilization.

2. Objective truth exists beyond subjective perception

Either there is something outside of us, or there is not.

Reality is not relative. The idea that truth is subjective or culturally constructed is a dangerous fallacy. Objective reality exists independently of our perceptions or beliefs:

• Plato's allegory of the cave illustrates the distinction between appearance and reality
• Scientific discoveries confirm the existence of universal laws and constants
• Moral truths, like the inherent value of human life, transcend cultural differences

Acknowledging objective truth is crucial for maintaining a stable society and pursuing genuine knowledge. Relativism ultimately leads to nihilism and the breakdown of shared values. We must resist the temptation to create our own reality and instead strive to understand and align ourselves with the truths that exist beyond our subjective experiences.

3. The human body is integral to our identity and purpose

Your flesh, for all its flaws and failings, has something to say about who you are.

Embodied existence matters. The body is not a mere vessel for the mind or soul, but an essential aspect of our being:

• Hylemorphism: The soul is the form of the body, inseparable from our physical nature
• Gender and sexuality are rooted in biological realities, not just social constructs
• Efforts to transcend the body through technology or ideology often lead to distress and dysfunction

Embracing our embodied nature means:

• Accepting the limitations and possibilities of our physical form
• Recognizing the wisdom encoded in our biology
• Seeking excellence through the integration of mind and body, rather than their separation

We should resist ideologies that devalue or seek to radically alter the human body, and instead work to cultivate virtue and flourishing within our embodied existence.

4. Meaning in life comes from imitating higher truths

All imitation has to be imitation of something.

Mimesis shapes reality. The concept of mimesis – imitation or representation – is fundamental to understanding how we create meaning:

• Art imitates life, but life also imitates art
• Cultural memes and biological genes both operate through replication
• Human behavior and societal structures often mirror perceived higher realities

This principle extends to:

• Language and symbolism
• Moral and ethical systems
• Scientific models of the universe

By recognizing that our actions and creations are imitations of higher truths or ideals, we can orient ourselves towards excellence and virtue. This understanding provides a framework for finding purpose and meaning in life, as we strive to align ourselves with transcendent realities.

5. Science alone cannot answer life's deepest questions

Mathematics was never made to be a god, and physical facts have no power to answer the questions of theology.

Science has limits. While scientific inquiry is invaluable for understanding the physical world, it cannot address all aspects of human experience:

• Empirical methods cannot prove or disprove metaphysical claims
• Consciousness and subjective experience resist purely materialist explanations
• Moral and aesthetic judgments require frameworks beyond scientific observation

We must recognize:

• The proper domain of scientific investigation
• The importance of philosophy, theology, and the humanities
• The danger of scientism – the belief that science can explain everything

A balanced approach integrates scientific knowledge with other forms of wisdom to address life's fundamental questions about meaning, purpose, and value. This holistic perspective allows us to appreciate the contributions of science while acknowledging its limitations.

6. Western civilization is worth preserving through individual action

The West does not die when nations do.

Preserve Western heritage. Despite its flaws, Western civilization has produced invaluable contributions to human knowledge, freedom, and flourishing:

• Emphasis on individual rights and human dignity
• Development of scientific method and rational inquiry
• Rich artistic and literary traditions

To preserve these values:

• Study and engage with classic Western texts and ideas
• Participate in local communities and civic institutions
• Cultivate personal virtue and excellence

Remember that Western civilization is not monolithic or perfectcitizenship. Rather, it is a diverse tradition of thought and practice that has evolved over time. By actively engaging with and embodying the best aspects of this tradition, individuals can help ensure its continuation and renewal.

7. Civic friendship is essential for a thriving society

The love we feel for our own home, for our own children, for this woman or this friend and no one else—for what is ours and no one else's—forms the basis of all real and lasting political union.

Foster local connections. Strong communities are built on personal relationships and shared experiences:

• Civic friendship creates social cohesion and mutual understanding
• Local engagement counters the alienation of modern life
• Small-scale actions have ripple effects on larger social structures

Ways to cultivate civic friendship:

• Participate in local organizations and events
• Engage in face-to-face conversations with neighbors
• Volunteer for community service projects

By investing in our immediate communities, we create the foundation for a more stable and harmonious society. This grassroots approach to social renewal is often more effective than top-down political solutions.

8. Technology should enhance, not replace, human experience

We are not going to stop virtual reality from existing or from becoming ever more realistic. But inventing a new technology is not the same thing as submitting to it, or demanding submission from others.

Use tech wisely. Technological advancements offer both opportunities and challenges:

• Virtual reality and AI can augment human capabilities
• Digital platforms can connect people across distances
• Overreliance on technology can erode real-world skills and relationships

Guidelines for healthy tech use:

• Prioritize in-person interactions when possible
• Set boundaries on screen time and digital consumption
• Use technology as a tool, not a substitute for real-life experiences

We must critically evaluate new technologies and their impact on human flourishing. The goal should be to harness technological innovations in ways that enhance our humanity rather than diminish it.

9. Belief in God provides a coherent framework for meaning and morality

If our sanity and survival depend on the existence of some fundamental reality, and if that reality includes such things as beauty and goodness, then we had better examine the likelihood or unlikelihood of such a reality existing.

Consider theism. Belief in God offers a foundation for objective morality and purpose:

• Provides an ultimate source for truth, beauty, and goodness
• Offers a coherent explanation for the existence of consciousness and meaning
• Gives a framework for understanding human dignity and worth

Reasons to consider theism:

• The fine-tuning of the universe suggests intentional design
• The existence of objective moral truths points to a moral lawgiver
• The human desire for transcendence and meaning aligns with theistic worldviews

While belief in God cannot be empirically proven, it provides a more satisfying and comprehensive worldview than materialist alternatives. It offers a basis for hope, meaning, and moral conviction in the face of life's challenges.

10. We must live out Western values in our daily lives to save the West

You and I wake up every day in a world that is real, surrounded by people who are also real, and that is enough. It is everything.

Embody Western ideals. The preservation of Western civilization depends on individuals living out its core values:

• Pursue truth and virtue in personal conduct
• Engage in critical thinking and open dialogue
• Uphold principles of individual liberty and responsibility

Practical steps:

• Read and discuss great works of Western literature and philosophy
• Practice self-discipline and cultivate personal excellence
• Participate in civic life and democratic processes

By embodying the best aspects of Western civilization in our daily lives, we create a living tradition that can withstand external challenges and internal decay. This personal commitment to Western values is the most effective way to ensure their survival and flourishing in the face of current crises.

Last updated: October 19, 2024