Short thread on the idea of Will to Power?
Will to Power is the philosophical foundation of fascism. Extrapolated it is the argument that power, and the acquisition of power, is self-justifying, and the possession of power is itself evidence of legitimacy.
1) power is owed to the strongest willed
2) the strongest Will will do anything to obtain power
3) anything is justified if it obtains power
4) the strongest will has the most power
5) having power is proof that i have the strongest will and thus deserve to have power
2) the strongest Will will do anything to obtain power
3) anything is justified if it obtains power
4) the strongest will has the most power
5) having power is proof that i have the strongest will and thus deserve to have power
This then forms the central paradox where power-legitimizes-power, but only if it's your own.
There is no fantasy showdown where two Klingons clash and the loser swears their undying loyalty to the victor who has proven their worthiness.
Admitting that your Will is lesser delegitimizes *all* your power.
Admitting that your Will is lesser delegitimizes *all* your power.
This is why fascists are incompatible with any system that doesn't give them total control. Everyone else's power is always illegitimate, because universally denying the opposition's legitimacy is an acceptable path to power and power justifies power.
This is what creates the Paradox of Tolerance. Fascists are 100% willing to use tolerance and free speech as weapons against tolerance and free speech.
In fascism's own paradigm the opposition's unwillingness to use any-means-necessary to oppose them is evidence of the opposition's unworthiness, evidence of the opposition's lack of Will.
in practical summary: always assume that fascists are lying because they have no allegiance to anything but self-justifying power, to anything but "winning."
