FAUSTIAN SPIRIT - HEART OF WESTERN CULTURE (FINAL PART)

****Part 5: Conclusion - Plato, Jesus, Marx, Nitzche, Adam Smith, Elon Musk are all "socialists"!

In the lens of Oswald Spengler's ontology, all of the figures mentioned in the title are considered "socialists" because they embody the Faustian spirit that seeks to transcend the limitations of the natural world through the use of reason, technology, and the pursuit of power. This Faustian spirit, according to Spengler, is the defining characteristic of Western culture, which he believed was in its final stages of decline.

For Spengler, socialism is not a specific political or economic system, but a broader cultural and historical phenomenon. Socialism, in this sense, refers to the idea that human beings have the capacity to shape and control their environment, and that this capacity is best realized through collective action and the pursuit of common goals. This idea is rooted in the Faustian spirit, which seeks to overcome the limitations of the natural world through the use of reason and technology.

Plato, for example, believed that the ideal society was one in which the ruling class, composed of philosopher-kings, governed for the common good rather than for their own interests. This idea is based on the belief that reason and knowledge are the keys to understanding and shaping the world, and that those who possess these qualities have a responsibility to use them for the benefit of all.

Similarly, Jesus advocated for a society based on love and compassion, where the needs of the poor and marginalized were prioritized over the desires of the wealthy and powerful. This vision of society is rooted in the belief that all human beings are equal in the eyes of God, and that it is the duty of the strong to protect and care for the weak.

Marx, on the other hand, believed that the capitalist system was inherently exploitative and that the only way to achieve a just society was through the establishment of communism, which would eliminate the class divisions that he saw as the root of social inequality. Marx's vision of society is based on the belief that human beings have the capacity to create a better world through collective action and the pursuit of common goals.

Nietzsche, meanwhile, challenged traditional notions of morality and ethics, arguing that the truly great individuals in society should be free to create their own values and pursue their own goals without constraint. This idea is rooted in the belief that human beings are capable of shaping their own destiny and that the pursuit of power and self-fulfillment is the highest goal.

Adam Smith, the father of modern capitalism, believed that a free market system was the best way to allocate resources and create wealth. This vision of society is based on the belief that individuals pursuing their own self-interest will ultimately lead to the greater good for all.

Finally, Elon Musk, the modern-day visionary entrepreneur, embodies the Faustian spirit through his pursuit of technological innovation and the colonization of space. Musk's vision of society is rooted in the belief that human beings have the capacity to transcend the limitations of the natural world and create a better future through the application of reason and technology.

Despite the differences in their visions of society, all of these figures share a common belief in the power of human agency and the potential for collective action to shape the world. They all embody the Faustian spirit that seeks to transcend the limitations of the natural world through the use of reason, technology, and the pursuit of power.

In short, Oswald Spengler's ontology offers a framework to understand the historical and cultural significance of the Faustian spirit, which has deeply influenced Western culture over time. Figures like Plato, Jesus, Marx, Nietzsche, Adam Smith, and Elon Musk can be seen as exemplifying this spirit, transcending specific political or economic systems. The Faustian spirit continues to shape Western culture, driving technological advancements, but it's important to consider the ethical and moral consequences. The concept of sustainability has emerged as a response, acknowledging the need to balance progress with environmental and social concerns. Ultimately, individuals and societies must find a way to reconcile the potential and risks of human agency to work towards a just and sustainable future.