The Faustian Ideal Is Demonic

by Zoltanous

White Nationalists often praise what they call a "Faustian spirit," implying that the story of Faust is an inspiring model for their intellectual goals and ambitions. However, the truth is that the tale of Faust serves as a cautionary narrative, highlighting the dangers of such pursuits. The "Faustian spirit" is inherently selfish and harmful, ultimately leading to great tragedy. Oswald Spengler cleverly compared the tragic character of Faust to Western civilization, noting how, like Faust's deal with the devil for greater power, the Western man has similarly traded away his soul.

"Human history is the long and terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy."

— C.S. Lewis, Human History 

Faust, a character who traded his soul for boundless knowledge and power, stands as a warning that echoes Jesus Christ's words: "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world but lose his soul?" Faust represents the individual who would have accepted Satan's temptation offered to Christ on the high mountain. Similarly, Western Supremacists take pride in their achievements and intellectual contributions, fully identifying with Faust's persona. However, they too are tragic figures.

Alienated from the ancient traditions of the East, their embrace of the Faustian myth led to the creation of romantic and fantastical narratives, such as the "Arthur Cycle." Detached from Christ, the only way to divinization, they reshaped Him to exalt their egos, adopting a pagan lifestyle over the transformative path shown by the Church Fathers, and demonstrated through the lives of Martyrs, Saints, and Elders. This departure from orthodox tradition is reflected in the so-called "Arthurian Cycles," where we see a group of "holy" knights and figures like Percival, who turned away from God, seeking salvation in human companionship instead.

“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”

— Bible, Psalm 118:8

Many engage in discussions about the "Faustian" concept without truly delving deep into Goethe's "Faust." Yet, it’s worth noting the virtue in rejecting the "Faustian" pursuit. "Faust" teaches us that the quest for boundless knowledge and power is, in the end, fruitless. As Faust comes to realize the folly of his desires too late and repents, his soul is already doomed. Thus, steering clear of the "Faustian" path is a mark of wisdom and restraint. Sadly, the Western world has been shaped by this cursed "Faustian" ideal, leading to a nihilistic era marked by desecration and a denial of being. This has set the West on a path of relentless opposition to the divine essence.

The 20th century saw "Faustian" themes emerge prominently, as in Friedrich Dürrenmatt's The Visit, where townsfolk are tempted into committing murder for money. Similarly, Stephen Vincent Benét's The Devil and Daniel Webster explores the corrupting power of wealth, where a struggling farmer trades his soul for seven years of prosperity, only to find that the "American Dream" is a devilish bait, "everything you desire for the price of your soul." In societies driven by consumerism and instant gratification, "Faustian" legends find fertile ground. The pursuit of immediate pleasure, despite knowing better, echoes Faust's proclamation that his "own appetite" is his deity, with Mephistopheles offering him the chance to "sample every possible delight... grasp at what you want!"

The "Faust" legend resonated during a period of transition from the medieval world to a burgeoning mercantile culture, mirroring the uncontrollable demon Faust summons. This parallels the exploitation, colonialism, and materialism necessitated by capitalism, mirroring Faust's desire to reshape the world. From a Christian viewpoint, this mirrors the Enlightenment's ambitions, seen as a satanic pursuit. The association of the "Faustian spirit" and "Western Civilization" with "whiteness" and its values reflects a deeper ideological alignment. This synthesis of "white," "western," "free," "democratic," "liberal," "Jewish," "humanist," and "modernist" as interchangeable terms suggests a subconscious influence on behavior and attitudes.

Another comparison of this phenomenon and it’s common spiritual origin

As previously mentioned, the legend of Faust serves as a cautionary tale, admonishing us to exercise caution when it comes to the worship of the ego, the allure of fame, and the pursuit of power. These triumphs are hollow and fleeting in nature. The consequences of an insatiable desire for expansion are apparent in our present time. Economic absolutism serves as an apt analogy for the contemporary manifestation of the Faustian pact – a period of rapid growth benefiting a select few followed by grave and everlasting global repercussions. The ultimate truth lies in the recognition that the "Faustian Spirit" embodies the spirit of a Jewish pagan anti-Christ, giving rise to Liberalism and all the unsightly consequences we witness in the world today are the fruit of this demonic influence.

Faust was not a wise individual; he was a fool, and by the time he realized his folly, it was already too late. The same holds true for any civilization that can be described as "Faustian." Consider the words spoken by the serpent to Eve in the garden, "If you eat of the fruit, your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods." Is this not the Faustian spirit that resides within the Western man? This is precisely why Medieval Europe stands as the antithesis to the Faustian spirit. It would be wise for them to heed Spengler's warning.

René Guénon on Tradition, Civilization and The Modern World