Moderation and Revolution

By (author) Andrea Micocci

Hardback - £119.00

Publication date:

16 December 2011

Length of book:

390 pages

Publisher

Lexington Books

Dimensions:

239x163mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9780739167182

In the intellectuality of capitalism there are two alternative ways to conceive of reality: the moderate one, which mediates dialectically, and the revolutionary one, which also comprises ruptures with disappearance. The former conforms to, and helps shape, the metaphysics of capitalism itself. The second is akin to the mode of progressing of nature in general, and forms the basis for materialism. Moderate positions tend to be intolerant because they do not recognize the other, which is constantly compelled to mediate. Revolutionary positions instead, recognizing the other, are tolerant and intrinsically non-violent. In capitalism as we know it liberalism, Marxism and anarchism would potentially be revolutionary. But they have been transformed in moderate modes of thought, similar for instance to nationalism, communitarianism, Christian ideas, fascism, socialism. Thus capitalism has become an intolerant world that seems built to block, by means of mediations, its own historical evolution. The outcome is a fascistic economy and polity.
This is a daring book that one may like or not like, but represents in the clearest way capitalism’s convoluted nature while explaining with extreme clarity the perverse mechanisms of its resilience. The author brilliantly holds the reader’s attention through a journey in the history of ideas to come to the conclusion that moderation is the bond that keeps us socially and culturally tied, whereas revolution means individual emancipation. “Revolution” is the non-violent quest for individual freedom in a materialistic sense and in Micocci’s view has nothing to do with the bureaucratic and totalitarian organization propagandized at the time of the Soviet Union. This book dispels many misconceptions and popularly held beliefs and is recommended to unprejudiced readers. — Mino Vianello, University of Rome