How did irrationalism alter man’s thinking before World War One?

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were marked by a significant shift in human thought, primarily due to the rise of irrationalism. This philosophical movement, which emphasized the importance of intuition, emotion, and the subconscious over reason and logic, had a profound impact on the way people perceived the world before the outbreak of World War One. This article aims to explore the ways in which irrationalism altered man’s thinking during this pivotal period.

1. The decline of rationalism and the rise of intuition

One of the most significant impacts of irrationalism on human thought was the decline of rationalism. Rationalism, which dominated the Enlightenment era, emphasized the primacy of reason and logic in understanding the world. However, irrationalism challenged this perspective by promoting the idea that human knowledge and understanding were not solely based on rational thought.

This shift in perspective led to a greater emphasis on intuition and emotion as sources of knowledge. Philosophers such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Søren Kierkegaard argued that intuition and emotion were essential for understanding the true nature of reality. This newfound appreciation for intuition and emotion had a profound impact on various aspects of human life, including art, literature, and politics.

2. The influence of irrationalism on art and literature

Irrationalism had a significant influence on the arts and literature before World War One. Artists and writers began to explore the subconscious mind and the emotional aspects of human experience, moving away from the more rational and objective styles of the previous era.

Fauvism, Expressionism, and Surrealism were all artistic movements that emerged during this period, reflecting the influence of irrationalism. These movements sought to convey the inner emotional and psychological experiences of individuals, often through vivid, abstract, and surreal imagery.

Similarly, writers such as James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and Franz Kafka explored the complexities of the human mind and the subconscious, challenging traditional narrative structures and narrative voices. Their works often depicted characters struggling with existential anxiety, the meaning of life, and the nature of reality, all of which were influenced by the irrationalist philosophy of the time.

3. The impact of irrationalism on politics and society

Irrationalism also had a significant impact on politics and society before World War One. As people began to question the validity of rational thought, they became more open to alternative ideologies and political movements that emphasized emotion, intuition, and the collective over the individual.

The rise of nationalism, fascism, and communism were all influenced by irrationalist thought. Nationalists believed that the nation was a collective entity with a shared destiny, and that emotions such as love for one’s country should take precedence over reason. Fascists and communists, on the other hand, sought to create a new, ideal society that would fulfill the collective aspirations of the people, often at the expense of individual rights and freedoms.

4. Conclusion

In conclusion, irrationalism had a profound impact on human thought before World War One. By challenging the primacy of reason and logic, irrationalism encouraged people to explore the depths of their emotions and intuition, leading to significant changes in the arts, literature, politics, and society. While the consequences of irrationalism during this period were often negative, its influence on human thought and culture cannot be denied.