¶1 From all that precedes, it seems to us already clearly to result that the Orientals are fully right when they reproach modern Western civilisation for being only a wholly material civilisation:1 it is indeed in this direction that it has developed exclusively, and, from whatever point of view one considers it, one always finds oneself in the presence of the more or less direct consequences of this materialisation. However, we must still complete what we have said in this respect, and first of all explain ourselves concerning the different senses in which a word such as ‘materialism’ can be taken;2 for if we employ it to characterise the contemporary world, certain persons who do not consider themselves at all ‘materialist’ while nonetheless claiming to be very ‘modern’, will not fail to protest and to persuade themselves that this is a veritable calumny;3 a clarification is therefore necessary to ward off in advance all the equivocations that could arise on this subject.
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Summary

Guénon concludes from the preceding discussion that the Orientals are fully justified in reproaching modern Western civilisation for being exclusively material, as it has developed entirely in that direction. He notes that a clarification is needed regarding the different meanings of the word ‘materialism’, since some who consider themselves ‘modern’ but not ‘materialist’ would protest against this characterisation. He therefore intends to complete his remarks on this matter and to prevent any possible misunderstandings.

General notes

  1. civilisation toute matérielle (reproche des Orientaux) — Rendered as ‘wholly material civilisation (reproach of the Orientals)’. Guénon refers to the criticisms addressed to the modern West by the traditional civilisations of the East (notably India and the Islamic world). For these, the West has lost all superior spiritual principle so as to recognise no longer anything but material, technical and economic values. ↩︎
  2. « matérialisme » — Rendered as ‘materialism’. Guénon announces a crucial distinction: materialism is not reducible to a philosophical doctrine (the affirmation that only matter exists). It can be practical (a conduct of life exclusively focused on sensible interests), social (a collective organisation founded on production and consumption), or even a mere ‘mentality’ permeating all aspects of modern civilisation. ↩︎
  3. « matérialistes » (ceux qui ne se croient pas tels) — Rendered as ‘“materialist” (those who do not consider themselves such)’. Guénon targets here moderns who reject philosophical materialism (for example spiritualists, idealists, believers) but who fully participate in material civilisation through their way of life, their values and their aspirations. They would consider themselves calumniated because they confuse materialism with a doctrine they condemn, without seeing that their daily existence is its most complete application. ↩︎