Optimism of Will

Gramsci in a Fatigued World

Morning Comrades.

Some 45 years after the birth of the aberration that is our current NeoLiberal hell scape, 22 years after 9/11 and the subsequent total destruction of whatever social contract we had within said system, endless wars and subsequent failures of the capitalist system, that, as we know are part of their plan and we pay for, I am certain that you are just as tired as I am. Make no mistake, whilst I do my utmost to present optimism and energy I feel it too and all too often I do get asked where said optimism comes from, let alone the energy after now 30 years of yelling at the big bad dude called capitalism. Truth be told, I don’t really know where the physical energy comes from and I know myself too well in the sense that I have some sort of abusive relationship with burning myself out but let’s focus on the positive, almost metaphysical source of, well, everything. As some of you may know I dedicated my PhD on the study and application of Antonio Gramsci’s ideas and his work remains one of my biggest sources of inspiration. With that, here is an offering from me to you on optimism, energy in this fatigued world. Fuck knows we all need it.

In a world weighed down by the fatigue of existence, one question looms large: What of it? The weariness that permeates our lives seems to defy the very essence of human endeavor. However, for proponents of various leftist philosophies, weariness is not an excuse to surrender to the status quo. Instead, they advocate for an enduring optimism of the will, asserting that life goes on, destiny is insufficient, and victory is attainable through collective effort. In this essay, we will explore how this concept is embedded in several leftist ideologies and how it shapes the way we approach societal challenges.

Life Goes On

The acknowledgment of weariness is not a call to retreat but rather a recognition that life, despite its hardships, continues to unfold. Marxism underscores the historical dialectic and the inevitability of change. Even when confronted with societal injustices and exploitation, we have to believe that the struggle for a more equitable world persists, driven by the very contradictions of capitalism. Life, in this view, is an ongoing process, and fatigue must not deter us from pushing forward.

Optimism of the Will

The concept of "optimism of the will" is closely associated with Antonio Gramsci, who emphasized the importance of cultural and ideological struggle. Gramsci believed that, even in the face of apparent setbacks, the will to change society can endure. This optimism of the will implies that the fight for justice, even when daunting, can be sustained through intellectual and cultural resistance. It calls for faith in the transformative power of education and consciousness-raising, allowing individuals to persist in the struggle for a better world.

Antonio Gramsci's concept of "optimism of the will" is a central pillar of his broader theory of cultural and political transformation. This concept is deeply rooted in his Marxist perspective, but it offers a unique perspective on how individuals and groups can bring about change in society, particularly in the face of adversity and opposition. To expand on this idea, let's delve into the key components and implications of Gramsci's optimism of the will:

Historical Materialism and Hegemony: Gramsci, like other Marxists, believed in historical materialism, which posits that social and economic structures drive historical change. However, he added a crucial layer to this understanding by introducing the concept of hegemony. Gramsci argued that the ruling class maintains its dominance not only through coercion but also through cultural and ideological means. This insight underscores the importance of cultural struggle.

Cultural and Ideological Struggle: Gramsci recognized that to challenge the status quo effectively, individuals and groups must engage in a cultural and ideological struggle. This means contesting the dominant ideas and values that sustain the existing power structures. Cultural and ideological hegemony, in Gramsci's view, could be challenged and ultimately transformed through the collective will of the subordinated classes.

Optimism of the Will: Gramsci's optimism of the will is the belief that, despite facing formidable obstacles, individuals and communities can maintain a resolute and optimistic outlook regarding the possibility of change. It is the faith that, through collective action and the development of a counter-hegemony, the subaltern classes can challenge the dominance of ruling elites and eventually transform society.

Counter-Hegemony and Intellectuals: Gramsci argued that the creation of a counter-hegemonic culture required the work of organic intellectuals—those who arise from and are connected to the working class or subaltern groups. These intellectuals would play a crucial role in developing alternative ideas, values, and institutions that could challenge the dominant culture and ideology.

Passive Revolution: Gramsci also introduced the concept of "passive revolution" to describe situations where the ruling class adapts to maintain its dominance without fundamental change. He believed that even in such contexts, the optimism of the will should persist, as it could help lay the groundwork for future revolutionary moments.

Pessimism of the Intellect: To complement the optimism of the will, Gramsci coined the phrase "pessimism of the intellect." This suggests that individuals should critically analyze and understand the existing power structures and the challenges they face. It acknowledges the difficulties and contradictions of the struggle but does not allow them to lead to despair or inaction.

We Will Win

The resounding assertion "we will win" embodies the unwavering belief in the potential for victory. I will always maintain that the working class, united and organized, has the power to overthrow oppressive capitalist systems. Despite the challenges and setbacks faced by our movements throughout history, the conviction that justice will ultimately prevail drives us to persist in our pursuit of a classless society. This resolute determination is a core tenet of our ideology.

In a world where weariness often threatens to quash our resolve, philosophies such as Gramsci’s provide a counterpoint of resilience. Life goes on, destiny is insufficient, and an optimism of the will propels us forward. These ideas underscore the enduring spirit of those who strive for social, economic, and political justice. Our philosophies challenge us not to succumb to fatigue but to harness it as a source of strength, reaffirming the belief that, collectively, we will win in the ongoing struggle for a more equitable world.

With that, we got this, we have each other and the future to win.

Yous, with palpable vibes,

V.