The Dark Enlightenment and Curtis Yarvin
Curtis Yarvin uses the pseudonym "Mencius Moldbug" as a nod to various influences and to maintain a degree of separation between his personal identity and his online persona. The name "Mencius" references the Chinese philosopher, known for his ideas on human nature and governance, while "Moldbug" combines a whimsical, somewhat absurdist element that reflects his critique of contemporary culture and politics.
Who is Curtis Yarvin?
Yarvin is a prominent figure in the online intellectual dark web and has written extensively on his blog, "Unqualified Reservations." His writings often blend technology, political philosophy, and critiques of contemporary liberalism.
He argues that modern democracy is inherently flawed and advocates for a return to more hierarchical and centralized forms of governance. He is critical of the administrative state and what he sees as the failures of liberal democracy.
The Dark Enlightenment
JD Vance and Curtis Yarvin's "Cathedral"
JD Vance has ties to anti-democracy bloggers like Curtis Yarvin, where, in an interview with Jack Murphy, he mentions that we have to “accept that this thing (American Democracy) is going to fall into itself. And so the task of conservatives right now is to preserve as much as can be preserved, and then when the inevitable collapse of the country comes, ensure that conservatives are able to sort of help build back the country in a way that’s actually better. Not Joe Biden’s build back better, but actually some sort of reconstruction of the country.”
He then calls that pessimistic, and then continues, “I tend to think that we should seize the institutions of the left and turn them against the left… we need a “de-woke-ification program in the United States.”