Victor Davis Hanson discusses how modern Western society increasingly resembles the medieval period despite technological advances. He argues that while there has been significant progress in civil technology, society faces a regression toward conditions reminiscent of the Middle Ages.
1. Medieval Conditions: The medieval world was characterized by cramped cities, violence, diseases, and basic survival. Castles defended against invaders, and public executions were common. Simultaneously, there were advancements in science and literature among elite circles.
2. Modern Parallels: Today, Western civilization faces a mix of advancements and regressions. Urban filth, crime, and disease are on the rise, juxtaposed against discoveries in AI, bioengineering, and cancer research. Leaders have the knowledge to improve health, but fail to act due to ideological divides, seeing the world in terms of oppressors and the oppressed.
3. Urban Decay: Urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco are experiencing increased homelessness and related health issues. Authorities overlook public decency laws in the face of growing encampments and disregard for hygiene, leading to outbreaks of diseases like typhus.
4. Regulation vs. Lawlessness: The modern world is both highly regulated and lawless. While environmental regulations are strict, city officials often ignore cleanliness and safety concerns, suggesting a paradox in societal priorities.
5. Driver Competence and Law: Licensing rules for truck drivers, intended to ensure safety on highways, are being bypassed, leading to potentially dangerous situations as incompetent drivers, including undocumented immigrants, exploit loopholes in regulations.
6. Cultural Shifts: There is a noticeable shift in how society venerates criminals. Public figures—particularly among certain leftist circles—are romanticized even when they commit heinous acts. This raises questions about societal values and the preservation of civil order.
7. Abortion Controversies: Current laws in some states allow abortions up to the moment of birth, which contrasts starkly with advancements in neonatal care. This reflects deep moral contradictions within modern society.
8. Social Hierarchies: Wealthy progressives often advocate for policies that negatively impact the less fortunate while enjoying the benefits of their privilege. The "virtue-signaling" of affluent individuals often promotes societal elements that undermine social safety.
9. New Medievalism: This phenomenon describes the troubling blend of modernity with barbarism, where societal protection seems increasingly ineffective against crime and moral decay.
10. Consequences of Ideology: The article critiques how certain ideological pursuits have led to the neglect of foundational societal norms and safety, often at great cost to the most vulnerable populations.
Hanson argues that while society enjoys technological advancements and a high standard of living, it is simultaneously embracing a new form of medievalism. This trend reveals a profound moral and societal disconnection among progressive ideologies that undermine essential civic order and safety, invoking a future where civilization could regress to darker times rather than progress toward enlightenment.
https://amgreatness.com/2026/09/01/progressive-regression-and-the-new-medievalism/
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