The Terror: eJacobinism
Konrad Neumann
In the 1790’s, the French Revolution began. What was supposed to be a triumph of enlightenment thinking and liberalism turned to The Terror. Countless people was beheaded by the guillotine. What was a victory for the Jacobins in an attempt to build an egalitarian society quickly became tyrannical and despotic. We can see the elements of the terror with the current regime in eBelgium.
The Jacobins were highly influenced by the philosophies of Rousseau. While the government and their agents claim to be Marxist, they are not communist/ socialist as the game does not permit the class system as per Marxism. The game is very communistic especially in the form of the Military Unit which satisfies many of the critiques of the Marxist. Karl Marx also did not write and discuss much about politics. He was the kind if philosopher who wrote in detail of the things he dislike but did not offer a comprehensive vision of the end result. This gap is evident as the government use Marxist rhetoric but lack any real political policies and end goals. Therefore, the current eBelgian government is not Marxist but the in game version of the Jacobins. While they evoke the rhetoric of Marx, their philosophy and action resembles that of Rousseau than of Marx and Engels.
Forced to be Free
Let’s explore the ideals of Rousseau. First, Rousseau argues for the social contract which is he argues that “the state is achievable by means of ‘the total alienation of each associate with all of his rights to the whole community’ and by this act all achieve perfect equality, or ‘union’. By giving up oneself totally, to all, and this being done by all, to you, ‘one gains the equivalent of all one loses, and more force to preserve what one has’ This union of ‘indivisible parts of the whole’ is what Rousseau calls the ‘ Republic or… body politic , which its members call State when it is passive, Sovereign when active’ The individual man therefore, being part of this body, becomes as much concerned of the Sovereign as with his own life, as they are united by the common sharing of interests and rights. In this way, if one were to harm the body politic, they would be harming themselves, the citizen.”
Rousseau also place the General Will (the will of the collective society) over that of the Particular Will or preservation-driven amour de soi (a love of the self) and pride-driven amour propre (selfish love). While Rousseau acknowledge for all humans to be inclined with the Particular Will, he argues a healthy state is one that people will value and place the common good and will over that of the personal.
Lastly, we will explore the Rousseau’s ideas of freedom. Rousseau in regards to society does not evoke the ideals of natural freedom as in the state of nature. We gave up the right to do whatever we want when we join a social contract. Therefore, the ideal condition and the concept of freedom itself changed. Since the ideal state and social contract is based on the general will. That means the laws and rules are prescribed by all as you are a part of the General Will. Therefore, you are free both in regards to civilly freedom and moral freedom.
With that said, this is why the terror took place. For any citizens who violate the will of the state, they go against the General Will. For Rousseau, “wrong-doers” who goes against the general will are ignorant and must be set back on the right path even if they resist. For Rousseau, these people does not know how to be free as they go against the rules which “they agreed and prescribed to.” Therefore, it makes sense for the state to “force people to be free.”
The terror led to many people executed via the guillotine. It is the ideals of Rousseau that led to many people being killed in the name of freedom. For the General Will. People are being kill for freedom and the killing of the victim itself is an act of freedom for the beheaded. While the game does not deal with the issues of life and death, we can see a lot of common traits where the anti-establishment faction resembles the Jacobins.
First, we can look at the rhetoric. Most if not all of their rhetoric and tone is to seek freedom and liberation. Their freedom is very different from the liberal traditions of freedom but that of a state/ social contract that conforms to their world view. Anyone who opposed them is viewed as hostile and reactionary. When they failed to achieve their freedom in the Rousseauian notion, they forced eBelgium to be free via PTO’s and illegal citizenship. Insult and attacking other player was the norm. It is ironic that they see themselves as the General Will. Despite losing every public referendum that Lin0lium set up, they hold true to their views. Despite an overwhelming number of the community support the idea of an open border etc, they viewed the results as invalid. They create fake pretenses about the corrupt and evil notions of the forum as it is hostile towards the General Will. Instead of being a part of the traditional liberal democracy established years ago, they literally prescribe their own rules which is advantageous to them.
The purging of FilipuBajsic is evident of punishing those who violated the General Will. We can look at the internal discussion between Vincent Pain and FilipuBajsic.
Vincent Pain’s reaction is very clear. While the President have every right to fire cabinet members who made a huge mistake; however, Vincent Pain’s reaction is demonstrates scored and rage. How dare FilipuBajsic went against the interest of the General Will. Vincent Pain declares “I do not want FilipuBajsic in the Government” while giving the choice for Ares to choose. Despite this, he demands for FilipuBajsic to be kicked out and alienated from the state. FilipuBajsic was not fired because he made a mistake but he went against the General Will. He went against freedom and the people and this is why he was rudely cast out by Vincent Pain and the government.
In closing, the anti-establish faction are not Marxist. In my opinion, they are much worse. They cannot be reasoned with as they are so bounded by their views. Also, despite numbers and statistics, they will claim to have the General Will and all those who are against them are not free. This is a form of delusion and they will do everything they can to force their views on to all people against their will in the name of freedom. They do not mind using unethical and unmoral methods to secure their freedom. Whereas Marx tries to create a form of Utopia, the eJacobins desires to dominate your views and will. Those who do not comply will be alienated and ostracized. For they claim to know what is in your best interest. You are too ignorant to understand what is ideal for yourself. They will make you free like it or not. The revolution will not be televised for it is in itself reactionary. While they like to evoke the language of Marx in their rhetoric. They proclaim "Workers of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains!" with great furor as they prepare your head for the guillotine for your freedom.
*THUMP*
Comments
It's a pity about the guillotine, we can't use it here. 🙁
tl;dr
tl;dr
"Konrad Neumann to wazowzky and 27 more people | yesterday
I have more faith in Fhaemita's knowledge in the background stuff than this government as Fhae has the network and the means to know. This government is totally clueless on the operations of the state.
I think the government is in over their heads and have no real good ideas on how to address them.
Game Over..."
Konrad, Konrad...hm
The facts are as follows: whether you like it or not, whether you agree or not, I am staying a CP til the end of this term and maybe even further on for another term. 🙂
Who knows. God loves showing up in unexpected ways at unexpected times.
My Government is staying as it is and on its place, there won't be other unexpected surprises, I suppose.
If you don't like it, it's your problem, not mine. You are free to leave, nobody is holding you back. Together with all others who share your point of view.
I am not a Jacobin or whatever, you will never understand me really even in the million years with all your philosophical theoretical background, as you are missing the important pieces to able to comprehend the complete picture of me personally.
You are just circling in the dark trying to discover something, which you don't have a slightest clue about.
Game, Set, Match.
🙂
I am not sure why you are quoting me from the congress tread which I thought was to be kept in private. Regardless, I am not sure how it serves your point. Fhaemita was the leader of an alliance for months. He was CP in a few different country. He is active in the MU and mercenary community. I am sure he has more connections around the world than you have.
But I am glad that you commented the way that you have. While you can deny it all you want, your reaction confirms my argument. You really do not have a vision as your only goal is to seek power and "freedom." You do not engage in rational and intelligent dialogue and discussion. You even confess in past articles of your frustration and anger when I reflect and dissect your articles. For you already viewed me as the enemy of the "General Will." This is why you want me to go. It is also why you are so willing to abandon enlightenment ideals and principal as you go on illogical and ad hominem against Fhae in https://www.erepublik.com/en/article/-ebelgium-aries-sun-wanted-dead-or-alive--2613675/1/20 It is safe to conclude that you are illiberal and tyrannical as it is always your way or the highway.
The past election is indeed suspicious with the extra votes and irregular trends. But in the end, you are president. You might have power but you do not have authority. For authority requires one to free willingly give up their autonomy to obey the other. One gains authority via the factors of experience and legitimacy. You lack both factors. You cannot even control your own cabinet and your administration is a fiasco. So my quote is valid and you have yet to prove me wrong in both the regards of you being a Jacobin and that you are totally overwhelmed and is clueless in the aspects of governance.
"You really do not have a vision as your only goal is to seek power and "freedom." You do not engage in rational and intelligent dialogue and discussion. You even confess in past articles of your frustration and anger when I reflect and dissect your articles."
Did you ever hear about the political propaganda? Political Marketing?
Spin Doctors? Mass manipulation? I have some good books about it. I can give you.
You are too quick in judging other people while you are putting yourself in some sort of self-imposed intellectual throne from where you are criticizing everyone and everything. You are smart guy, you know lot, it's fine. I don't have a problem with that.
Konrad, my dear,
I am absolutely certain; I do speak and have the understanding of more foreign languages than you. Living or dead.
And you know what people say: "the more languages you know, the more you a person".
I am 1000000% sure I have studied more than you in my whole entire life. Faculties, High Schools, Courses...
The tons of books I've read and I posses in my library are just another part of my personality.
So you are putting yourself in the position to judge me and my intellectual abilities?
Who are you? Where do you come from? What are your qualifications?
You are just an ordinary amateur comparing to me, Konrad.
I know what I want and I know how to achieve it.
You are right just about one thing: "it is always your way or the highway."
You don't have to leave, not because of me. I am just finding you over too pretentious. That's all what I wanted to tell you.
In nomine Patris et fillii et Spiritus Sancti
Amen
Peace with you my son
🙂
Filipu is possibly konrads evil twin sister
They are the same thing on the opposing sides.