The Revolt of the Masses Critique - Essay Example

submitted History and Political Science Introduction Jose Ortega y Gasset wrote a famous book, The Revolt of the Masses,which represents his most fundamental deliberations concerning European integration. The work tries to characterize the consequences of Revolt regarding political unification of Europe. This paper highlights on numerous issues surrounding the work of Ortega. This book served many people in different nations, however, its effects was greatly felt for European supranational unity. To some extent, Ortega’s work is controversial in Spain and many other nations. In Spain, it highlighted on the controversy over the alleged elitism of Revolt and the French did not welcome Ortega’s reasoning or philosophical views. The public accepted the work of Ortega because of numerous reasons. It highlighted on the masses that were disadvantaged in the society and seemed to look for solutions to the problems caused by the European integration. Ortega’s meaning and Characteristics of the “Europe masses” Ortega y Gasset talks of “Europe masses” after assessing the social order that most people live without noticing. In the wake of globalization and diversity in numerous areas, Ortega believes that the European elite that are creating problems to other unfortunate individuals in the society. When he refers to “masses,” Ortega highlights on the political and the social crisis of Europe. In general, he talks of the general Western civilization. In this process, Ortega focuses on revealing the root causes of this crisis that the Western civilization brings to the social systems in the society. Ortega refers to “masses” and ponders concerning who should rule the human society (Ortega y Gasset 34). The mass man Ortega refers to is the ordinary or the average person who accepts himself as he is and is unwilling to place demands on himself. The masses also consider themselves equal of others and have had immense effect on the intellectual fiber of the society. Ortega believes that the emergence of “European masses” and technological advancement had stripped away Man’s bottom illusions, at enormous rate. The masses take control of the government and change the manner in which people should be governed. Concerning the characteristics of the masses, Ortega admits that it is normal to have minority in power but there are problems associated with such a leadership. To some extent, it is a good move; however, it makes nations suffer as people are affected by the rebellion of other masses. Rebellious is one characteristic of the masses. Most importantly, masses believe in political life where one questions the other parties’ economic, moral, religious and intellectual, which are collective habits of people. The characteristic of the masses is based on the commonplace mind that understands itself as a commonplace. This mind claims to have the authority of exercising their rights and is capable of imposing them wherever it will. According to a say in the U.S. that, “to be different is to be indecent.” Ortega portrays the mass as a tool that crushes anything that is beneath it. Some of the things that the mass crushes include individuals, excellent things, qualified and select. It assumes that people should have different characteristics, but ensure that they accommodate others (Ortega y Gasset 64). This is why they say that anybody who is not like everybody risks being eliminated because they do not belong to the same mass. Ortega’s Perspective of the proper “Minorities” Ortega’s Revolt highlights on the significance of having proper minorities and the masses in Europe. He argues through mature thoughts regarding the respective roles of minorities and masses in Western society. His diagnosis culminates in this work and he continues to ensure that he promotes the well-being of the European society. His efforts aim at working towards eliminating the imbalance between masses and minorities. This is because the masses take over the society and fail to recognize the superior minorities. Ortega believes that the Western society is divided into two major groups namely the masses and minorities. Whereas the mass-man do not appreciate past individual efforts and collective efforts, such as the advancement in technology that offers him better life; the minority recognizes democracy and technological advancement. According to Ortega, the proper minorities serve a great ideal and wish to excel. He affirms that people misunderstand minorities for aristocrats that inherit their civil liberties. It is vital for the society to emphasize the need of being led by minorities to assure proper functionality and fruitfulness. The masses, thus, should follow the initiative of the minorities. Fascism and Bolshevism in Ortega y Gasset’s Revolt that serves as an example of movements of masses that dominates minorities (Ortega y Gasset 122). This is one of the steps that contribute greatly to the crises in the society. In an antidemocratic society, fascism helps in supporting the theory of ideal society, led by elites. Conversely, under universal suffrage, masses must choose the agenda of the minority that they are likely to support. Whereas, hyper democracy, the masses act directly through economic pressure. Generally, the minorities, intellectuals and the public have been influenced by that manner in which they should be involved in politics. European unity in the public and within the academic institutions has been influenced by the Revolt in numerous ways. Conclusion Ortega y Gasset’s The Revolt of the Masses is a significant piece of work since it calls for the development of a United States of Europe to renew European people. This piece aims at eliminating nationalism and form a powerful state of Europe. I must say that it is an ambiguous plan that is likely to create hegemony in the entire world. This book is a bold projection has never been seen before the Ortega’s philosophical ideas. This book inspired many people since during its inception, the Europe’s hegemony was at its peak and through it, Europe could most likely set the norm in the world. Regarding the social theory involving minorities and masses, most attention was directed towards assisting people gain the intellectual expertise. The social theory of the Revolt led to European integration and Ortega y Gasset will always be remembered for his book. The traditional thinking of from the perspective of the European integration was influenced through Ortega y Gasset’s book. This book has unique qualities that support the ambiguous vision of Europe becoming a super state. Questionably, Europe will take time to fulfill Ortega’s vision of the United States of Europe. The book will always remain influential to numerous people and its ideas will live forever. This book offers numerous inspirations concerning different ideologies such as Fascism, Communalism and Bolshevism that bedevils the European society. Work cited Ortega y Gasset, Jose. The Revolt of the Masses. London: Unwin Books, 1961. Print. Read More