This book, published in Germany in 1933 and the following year in France, is an analysis of Western society. The author goes back to the Enlightenment to define his theory on capitalism and socialism.
He gives primacy to politics over economics. Politics ensures greatness, while economics, with its narrow shopkeeper’s view, can only lead to the small-mindedness of shopkeepers. He denounces the utopia of equality as a leveling down.
Oswald Spengler is not a Nazi, or at least he claims not to be. He denies the superiority of a race, but by denying equality, he establishes a hierarchy of classes with a creative elite and the masses with no other horizon than bestial instincts. The author demonstrates the superiority of this elite. Workers have only one role: to work, and the reduction of working hours and the increase of wages is, according to him, a mistake.
We are in 1933, Hitler has just come to power and is implementing his policies. Oswald Spengler praises the Prussian spirit and Bismarck. He speaks of the decadence of the West and a struggle between the white man and other races. He tells us he is not racist; in fact, his racism is based on your social origin. He mentions the superiority of Germany.
In fact, he tells us everything about what will happen six years later. Decisive years, a warning that the politicians of the Third Republic unfortunately failed to heed. This anti-parliamentary book is an apology for the dictator, the providential man, a sort of superman.
A book to read today to fully understand that the perils of the 1930s are still very present. The potential enemy is different, Germany no longer seems, at least today, to have that Prussian soul, that of the Junkers who wanted to rule the world.
Thierry Jan
