The new “Totalitarianism Reloaded” report by Jean-Philippe Steeger provides an overview on and comparison of futurism and fascism today and last century. The analysis of “futurist” narratives, language, and aesthetics demonstrates how far technology-obsession has dominated our culture. Drawing upon Umberto Eco’s analysis of fascism and a regenerative approach to communication, the report presents concrete pathways of facing and overcoming futurist narratives. 

By publishing this report, Perspectivist contributes to the conversation on how to effectively face totalitarian tendencies today. In this respect,  too little attention has been dedicated to understanding the nature of the destructive impacts of futurist narratives, language and aesthetics.

‍‍‍"At a time where everything is at stake, we need to look at root causes of repetitive patterns, and we also need to learn to embody what we say: as democrats, as sentinent beings, as citizens, as leaders, as elders and as descendants of generations.  



Because totalitarianism denies the existence of personality, including collective personality, and more-than-human personalities, I would like to share my personal motivation for writing this report. 

I have grown up in Germany, as a citizen who’s duty it is to never forget and do everything in my power to prevent fascism. Additionally, my father was a political refugee, fleeing a brutal dictatorship with several totalitarian traits. Not least as a queer person, I can say that totalitarianism is in my bones.

I firmly believe that it is upon our generation to assume the traumatic past, to heal it, and to leave behind a cultural soil on which future generations may flourish.

 I am also convinced that to do that, we need to learn what it means to practice radical love, radical honesty, radical listening, and radical trust. It is only through the roots that a tree can bear the fruit of life. Hate has never won against hate. We need a different strategy, and a different narrative - not only to survive, but to thrive.”

Jean-Philippe Steeger, author
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The report covers:
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* An overview of futurism: singularity, accelerationism, and longtermism
* A comparison of futurism and fascism today and in the early 20th century
* An analysis of the narratives, language, and aesthetics of futurism
* Futurism through the lens of Umberto Eco
* Communication pathways beyond futurism

Read the report

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