The Doctrine of Fascism by Benito Mussolini

Mussolini describes Fascism as both action and thought, with doctrine emerging from historical forces and circumstances.
The ideal content of Fascism expresses truth within the history of thought, representing a correlation to specific realities of time and space while maintaining an overarching spiritual significance.

Human Influence and Reality:
- The power to exert spiritual influence on others requires understanding both transient realities and universal truths.
- To understand humanity, one must engage deeply with the laws of reality and existence.
Conception of the State:
- Fascism asserts that any conception of the State must stem from a broader conception of life that is organic and interconnected.
- The State is a reflection of a life philosophy that transcends individualism and engages in societal duties.

Fascism emphasizes a spiritual view of life, rejecting the materialism prevalent in 19th century positivism.
- It is neither skeptical nor agnostic nor pessimistic but focuses on proactive engagement in life.
- Central to this is free will: mankind is encouraged to create their own realities through action.
Cultural Value and Duty:
- The importance of culture (artistic, religious, scientific) is paramount as it cultivates individual and national identities.
- Work is regarded as a moral imperative through which humanity controls nature and develops society (economically, politically, and ethically).

Fascism sees life as serious, austere, and imbued with spiritual responsibilities, rejecting an easy existence.
Spiritual Society: The individual exists within the context of a higher spiritual law and collective national identity.
Lessons from History: The importance of tradition and the historical narrative is emphasized. Outside of history, individual existence loses significance.
Fascism is positioned as opposed to individualistic abstractions arising from 18th-century materialism, championing collective responsibilities over individual pleasures.

Realism in Politics: Fascism emphasizes pragmatism, dealing only with historically rooted issues that adapt organically.
State over Individual:
- The individual is only recognized in relation to the State; the interests of the State, seen as a historical entity, take precedence.
- This discards classical liberalism which favored individualism, redefining the rights of the State as essential.
Totalitarianism:
- Fascism is totalitarian: no values exist outside the state, threatening individual and group autonomy.
Opposed to socialism and class struggle, Fascism integrates disparate interests within the State, creating a unified ethical framework.

The Conception of the Nation: The state is not derived from the nation but rather creates it, enhancing collective identity.
Historical Dynamics: The State is experienced as a holistic ethical entity embodying past, present, and future aspirations of the people.
Inactivity signifying death prompts the State to actively shape, organize, and assert its collective will, both domestically and internationally, emphasizing expansion as a sign of vitality.

Anti-Pacifism:
- Fascism rejects the concept of perpetual peace as a moral ideal, asserting that true human potential is realized through struggle and conflict.
- Pacifist doctrines undermine this spirit and are seen as cowardice.
Rejection of Socialist Premises:
- Fascism denounces Marxian historical materialism, asserting that spiritual and heroic motivations cannot be explained solely through economic terms.
Critique of Democracy:
- Fascism critiques popular sovereignty claims, labeling democratic governance as a facade that masks true power dynamics.
- Democracy viewed as leading to tyranny through collective irresponsibility.

Mussolini frames liberalism as a temporary reaction against absolutism that ultimately failed to establish viable governance.
He critiques the efficacy of liberalism throughout the 19th century and distances Fascism as a new ideological approach freed from historical dogmas.
Emergence of a Fascist Century:
- Mussolini argues this age marks a pivot toward authority and collective over individualism, framing it as revolutionary rather than reactionary.

The Fascist doctrine promotes a unique state where individual energies are not diminished but enhanced through collective organization.
The state acts as the moral anchor, education system, and cultural guardian, infusing society with ethical purpose and direction.
Mussolini posits that the Fascist regime must not be viewed solely through a material or mechanical lens but as a spiritual and ethical organization shaping the destiny of the people.