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Роздуми посеред вершин
На противагу пристрасті Юліуса Еволи в намаганні пізнати духовні й метафізичні висоти людської думки знаходимо в нього й інший конкретний і практичний аспект особистих зацікавлень, а саме: філософ-традиціоналіст у двадцятих і тридцятих роках XX століття займався найризикованішим альпінізмом, здійснюючи підйоми найвищого, шостого, рівня складності, здіймаючись на зледенілі вертикальні схили гір. Про такий свій досвід він писав у виданнях, опублікованих у видавництвах, які спеціалізувалися на цій тематиці (Rivista Mensile del Club Alpino Italiano), і в пресі, адресованій звичайним читачам (щоденне видання Il Lavoro d’Italia, Corriere Padano, Il Regime fascista, Рим), не тільки вміло перетворюючи власний досвід у світлі мітологізму, символізму й високої духовності, але й поєднуючи його з повсякденним життям, з тими змінами, що відбувались у суспільстві, і з новітнім трактуванням політики.
У п’ятому, оновленому, виданні, відредагованому й доповненому цією збіркою, яке вперше побачило світ 1974 року за погодженням з автором, знаходимо 20 текстів, що з’явились у період між 1927 та 1942 роками, а окрім цих, ще й два з післявоєнного періоду, коли наш філософ уже був прикутим до ліжка, що дають нам змогу залічити «Роздуми посеред вершин» до класичної літератури, яка описує гори, хоча це й твір sui generis.
Такого роду досвід, як не раз стверджував Юліус Евола, є водночас дією і спогляданням, результативним реагуванням – за умови, що «альпінізм не прирівнюється до гірського ремесла» (1933) – з тим, щоб позитивно дивитись в очі негативним проявам світу, станом на цю мить.
«Сучасній цивілізації притаманне намагання будь-що поглинути героїчний зміст життя. Усе в ній намагається мовби механізувати, сприяти конформізації, свідомому та керованому розчиненню у загалі істот, яким притаманні різноманітні потреби й кожна з яких не є самодостатньою сама в собі: демон мегаполіса робить закам’янілим усяке життя, позбавляє притомності все, що здатне дихати, забруднює будь-яке живе джерело» (1927)…
У п’ятому, оновленому, виданні, відредагованому й доповненому цією збіркою, яке вперше побачило світ 1974 року за погодженням з автором, знаходимо 20 текстів, що з’явились у період між 1927 та 1942 роками, а окрім цих, ще й два з післявоєнного періоду, коли наш філософ уже був прикутим до ліжка, що дають нам змогу залічити «Роздуми посеред вершин» до класичної літератури, яка описує гори, хоча це й твір sui generis.
Такого роду досвід, як не раз стверджував Юліус Евола, є водночас дією і спогляданням, результативним реагуванням – за умови, що «альпінізм не прирівнюється до гірського ремесла» (1933) – з тим, щоб позитивно дивитись в очі негативним проявам світу, станом на цю мить.
«Сучасній цивілізації притаманне намагання будь-що поглинути героїчний зміст життя. Усе в ній намагається мовби механізувати, сприяти конформізації, свідомому та керованому розчиненню у загалі істот, яким притаманні різноманітні потреби й кожна з яких не є самодостатньою сама в собі: демон мегаполіса робить закам’янілим усяке життя, позбавляє притомності все, що здатне дихати, забруднює будь-яке живе джерело» (1927)…
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 1996
32 people are currently reading
972 people want to read
About the author
Julius Evola
211 books1,022 followersJulius Evola (19 May 1898 – 11 June 1974), born Giulio Cesare Andrea Evola, was an Italian philosopher and esoteric scholar. Born in Rome to a family of the Sicilian landed gentry, Evola was raised a strict Catholic. Despite this, his life was characterised by 'an anti-bourgeois approach' hostile to both 'the dominant tradition of the West—Christianity and Catholicism—and to contemporary civilization—the 'modern world' of democracy and materialism'.
By turns 'engineering student, artillery officer, Dadaist poet and painter, journalist, alpinist, scholar, linguist, Orientalist, and political commentator', he has been described as a 'rare example of universality in an age of specialization'. Yet behind it all lay a singular emphasis on, and pursuit of, a 'direct relationship to the Absolute'. For Evola, 'the center of all things was not man, but rather the Transcendent.' This metaphysical conviction can be seen to have determined both Evola's stance on socio-political issues, and his antipathetic attitude towards 'all professional, sentimental and family routines'.
The author of many books on esoteric, political and religious topics (including The Hermetic Tradition, The Doctrine of Awakening and Eros and the Mysteries of Love), his best-known work remains Revolt Against the Modern World, a trenchant critique of modern civilisation that has been described as 'the gateway to his thought'. Since his death, also in Rome, his writings have influenced right-wing, reactionary and conservative political thought not only in his native Italy, but throughout continental Europe and, increasingly, the English-speaking world. Nevertheless, he should not be considered primarily as a political thinker, but rather as an exponent of the wider Traditionalist School that encompasses the work of such individuals as René Guénon, Titus Burckhardt and Frithjof Schuon.
By turns 'engineering student, artillery officer, Dadaist poet and painter, journalist, alpinist, scholar, linguist, Orientalist, and political commentator', he has been described as a 'rare example of universality in an age of specialization'. Yet behind it all lay a singular emphasis on, and pursuit of, a 'direct relationship to the Absolute'. For Evola, 'the center of all things was not man, but rather the Transcendent.' This metaphysical conviction can be seen to have determined both Evola's stance on socio-political issues, and his antipathetic attitude towards 'all professional, sentimental and family routines'.
The author of many books on esoteric, political and religious topics (including The Hermetic Tradition, The Doctrine of Awakening and Eros and the Mysteries of Love), his best-known work remains Revolt Against the Modern World, a trenchant critique of modern civilisation that has been described as 'the gateway to his thought'. Since his death, also in Rome, his writings have influenced right-wing, reactionary and conservative political thought not only in his native Italy, but throughout continental Europe and, increasingly, the English-speaking world. Nevertheless, he should not be considered primarily as a political thinker, but rather as an exponent of the wider Traditionalist School that encompasses the work of such individuals as René Guénon, Titus Burckhardt and Frithjof Schuon.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 30, 2014
"The feats of audacity, risk, and conquest as well as the disciplines of the body, the senses, and the will are practiced in the immovable, great, and symbolic mountain peaks and lead men to the realisation that all in man is beyond himself.”
May 31, 2018
How mountain climbing correlated with a spiritual struggle or journey sets the reader on a journey with Evola. A journey which entails a quest for self-awareness, self-transcendental, self-development where the action of mountain climbing reflects a heroic victory when at the peaks symbolising the heights of the soul and spirit that the climber has reached physically and also mentally. A brief yet pivotal book about an Evolian view of transcendence and the physical struggle entwined with a spiritual awakening that comes with the triumph itself.
May 20, 2017
Much more than climbing mountains.
November 23, 2023
My ancestral blood sprang forth from highland terrains, although not as high as the peaks discussed in this collection of essays, but I have always felt awe and deep reverence for mountains. I still remember the first time I visited my father's side of the family, seeing the clouds rolling over their home, far above this low world I'm used to inhabiting.
In popular discourse of our days, it is not uncommon to point out the seemingly pointless nature of mountain climbing, and Evola does not shy away from admitting that people expose themselves to this rather dangerous endeavor 'without a specific reason' but he goes on to elaborate the hidden catharsis which ensues in the process of conquering the heights.
He does so in a somewhat personal tone, which starts to shine in the part II of the book titled 'Experiences'. Sprinkled between rather repetitive motifs of high solar virility and divine ice shrouded summits, vignettes of our dear baron's personal life were delightful to read. For example:
"Rather, I remember the experience of the lake of Resia at night. Believe it or not, we built a small nightclub there. In a house that looked like a cloister, built by noble French refugees at the end of the 1700s, one of us found a gramophone, and lo and behold, the jazz records of Wunder-Bar. Thus, the problem of what to do at night was resolved.
Somebody lights a big fire. Instead of drinking wine we drink rum and kirsch. We dance, and when we are drunk we begin to discuss things. Then we go out for a walk in the minus twenty-two degree night. Somebody comes up with the idea of going to the lake."
I must also highlight the following passage, which will doubtlessly have an edifying and encouraging effect on all those who are on the right side of history:
"And just as at night, from an elevated place, the lights scattered in the plains can be seen all the way to the most distant horizons, likewise what surfaces in my mind is the idea of a superior, incorporeal unity of the invisible front of all those who, despite all, fight in different parts of the world the same battle, lead the same revolt, and are the bearers of the same intangible tradition.
These forces appear to be scattered and isolated in the world, and yet they are inexorably connected by a common essence that is meant to preserve the absolute ideal of the Imperium and to work for its return.
This will occur after the cycle of this dark age closes, through an action that is both deep and not evident, in virtue of being a pure spiritual intensity unaffected by human restlessness, passions, lies, illusions, and divisions. This intensity is symbolized by the calm and irresistible power of this light that shines over icy peaks."
As soon as I read this bit, I couldn't help but think of that line from Von Thronstahl - 'Gründen wir geheimen Staat...' This invisible front grows ever stronger, and I hope Evola is watching over us with approval.
All in all, a quick read, inspiring, proper reminder to always strive for the Higher.
In popular discourse of our days, it is not uncommon to point out the seemingly pointless nature of mountain climbing, and Evola does not shy away from admitting that people expose themselves to this rather dangerous endeavor 'without a specific reason' but he goes on to elaborate the hidden catharsis which ensues in the process of conquering the heights.
He does so in a somewhat personal tone, which starts to shine in the part II of the book titled 'Experiences'. Sprinkled between rather repetitive motifs of high solar virility and divine ice shrouded summits, vignettes of our dear baron's personal life were delightful to read. For example:
"Rather, I remember the experience of the lake of Resia at night. Believe it or not, we built a small nightclub there. In a house that looked like a cloister, built by noble French refugees at the end of the 1700s, one of us found a gramophone, and lo and behold, the jazz records of Wunder-Bar. Thus, the problem of what to do at night was resolved.
Somebody lights a big fire. Instead of drinking wine we drink rum and kirsch. We dance, and when we are drunk we begin to discuss things. Then we go out for a walk in the minus twenty-two degree night. Somebody comes up with the idea of going to the lake."
I must also highlight the following passage, which will doubtlessly have an edifying and encouraging effect on all those who are on the right side of history:
"And just as at night, from an elevated place, the lights scattered in the plains can be seen all the way to the most distant horizons, likewise what surfaces in my mind is the idea of a superior, incorporeal unity of the invisible front of all those who, despite all, fight in different parts of the world the same battle, lead the same revolt, and are the bearers of the same intangible tradition.
These forces appear to be scattered and isolated in the world, and yet they are inexorably connected by a common essence that is meant to preserve the absolute ideal of the Imperium and to work for its return.
This will occur after the cycle of this dark age closes, through an action that is both deep and not evident, in virtue of being a pure spiritual intensity unaffected by human restlessness, passions, lies, illusions, and divisions. This intensity is symbolized by the calm and irresistible power of this light that shines over icy peaks."
As soon as I read this bit, I couldn't help but think of that line from Von Thronstahl - 'Gründen wir geheimen Staat...' This invisible front grows ever stronger, and I hope Evola is watching over us with approval.
All in all, a quick read, inspiring, proper reminder to always strive for the Higher.
January 27, 2023
really sad to be through with this. I'll revisit it often, but what a book.
April 8, 2021
J.Evola, one of the leading exponents of esoteric thoughts, explains in this group of essays the importance of mountain climbing, not only as a physical experience but as a spiritual awakening.
According to Evola, modern times tend to suffocate the heroic principles that long ago were mandatory for many ancient cultures. For instance, In the Hellenic tradition, the heroes achievement of immortality was portrayed through the symbolism of ascending or disappearing into the peaks of the mountains.
The mountains invite people to recall their spiritual legacy, to return to their origins to seek for the inner realization through the inner discipline of body and mind. For Evola, this practice is a way to connect in a harmonic way with nature with the aim of finding the occult threshold that allows access to other worlds.
In many journeys to different locations like Mont Blanc, Mount Cervino, Mount Gross-Glockner and Langkopfel; Evola presents the mountain as a victory over fear of solitude, silence and the void, therefore the eternal struggle against inner ghost is over.
In conclusion, the mountains are schools of inner toughtening with its known victims and obscure conquerors, the ascending is not considered a common activity for entertainment, this kind of spiritual ascension becomes ascetic.
According to Evola, modern times tend to suffocate the heroic principles that long ago were mandatory for many ancient cultures. For instance, In the Hellenic tradition, the heroes achievement of immortality was portrayed through the symbolism of ascending or disappearing into the peaks of the mountains.
The mountains invite people to recall their spiritual legacy, to return to their origins to seek for the inner realization through the inner discipline of body and mind. For Evola, this practice is a way to connect in a harmonic way with nature with the aim of finding the occult threshold that allows access to other worlds.
In many journeys to different locations like Mont Blanc, Mount Cervino, Mount Gross-Glockner and Langkopfel; Evola presents the mountain as a victory over fear of solitude, silence and the void, therefore the eternal struggle against inner ghost is over.
In conclusion, the mountains are schools of inner toughtening with its known victims and obscure conquerors, the ascending is not considered a common activity for entertainment, this kind of spiritual ascension becomes ascetic.
December 1, 2019
El gran Julius Evola, en un libro sobre la montaña como símbolo y como vía.
Es esta una obra bastante singular dentro de su producción, en la que aplica la noción del ideal heroico dentro del marco del alpinismo. No se trata de un lirismo, de una oda a las cumbres; tampoco de una obra «naturista» o de carácter emotivo: se hace hincapié, mas bien, en «la transformación de la experiencia de montaña en un modo de ser», en la que puede decirse que «nunca se regresa desde las cumbres a la llanura».
Luego encontramos una segunda parte, donde se relatan ascensiones notables en las que participó el autor; paredes de máxima dificultad incluso para los profesionales más avezados. Una grata sorpresa, sin dudas.
Tal vez no se trate de una obra esencial dentro de la producción evoliana, precisamente por su especificidad, pero es una lectura ágil y será de interés para aquellos interesados en la vida de montaña.
Acompañan a esta edición en particular, una introducción a la obra de J.E. por parte de Philipe Baillet (máxima autoridad francófona en lo que a la obra de Evola concierne) y un prólogo escrito por Joan Antoni Llopart.
February 25, 2023
Engaging read with some lush descriptions of climbs, but he do be talking about Aryans a lot.
May 28, 2024
Granted, after the tiger debacle I should have learnt my lesson. But such is my love of mountains, in particular mountain peaks, that my distrust of this man Evola, indeed my dislike of the charlatan, was overcome in a moment of high ecstasy when, having ascended Mount Whitney, I was struck by the urge to research on my Apple device books about mountaineering. Who was the first search result, but my old buddy Julius. Such was my transcendent exuberance at that moment that the volume was purchased and dispatched to my abode before I had a moment to contemplate the rights and wrongs of the situation.
And by Olympus, I am glad that I did. This work is the greatest story of redemption since… well, in a world where people cannot truly change, perhaps ever.
The work is divided into 3 parts: the first a contemplation of the metaphysics of mountaineering and the mountains in general, the second a more narrative account of Evola’s experiences in the peaks of the Tyrol and Dolomites, and the third an assortment of essays on vaguely ancillary topic which to be honest could fit in either category and are separated for editorial reasons I believe.
The reflections on contemplation are pretty par for the course with Evola, concerned with the union of action and contemplation to put life on a plane above mundane existence and into, as he would put it, the Traditional. What this reader would say is that instantiating it in this way does make his meaning much clearer; rather than resorting to turgid terminologies which he never quite explains, through example we see exactly what he is talking about and indeed it does rather make sense using such a clear allegory.
For this reader, far more interesting were the accounts of mountaineering itself. In it is captured in surprisingly virile, energetic language, the experience we mountaineers have of the peak, the trill we get from it, the amor fati it bestows upon all those who seek, via physical mastery of self and elements, to surpass the mountain face, rise to the peak and weary, having accomplished something, survey what is below, take in the sunrise or sunset as clouds eddy around ebony peaks and the firmaments swirl pearl and amber.
Reading these essays, one is inspired above all else to go out and live. This is a wonderful thing, and heartily recommended to all my readers who wish to catalyze themselves into stupor into the depths, or perhaps I should say heights, the world has to offer.
And by Olympus, I am glad that I did. This work is the greatest story of redemption since… well, in a world where people cannot truly change, perhaps ever.
The work is divided into 3 parts: the first a contemplation of the metaphysics of mountaineering and the mountains in general, the second a more narrative account of Evola’s experiences in the peaks of the Tyrol and Dolomites, and the third an assortment of essays on vaguely ancillary topic which to be honest could fit in either category and are separated for editorial reasons I believe.
The reflections on contemplation are pretty par for the course with Evola, concerned with the union of action and contemplation to put life on a plane above mundane existence and into, as he would put it, the Traditional. What this reader would say is that instantiating it in this way does make his meaning much clearer; rather than resorting to turgid terminologies which he never quite explains, through example we see exactly what he is talking about and indeed it does rather make sense using such a clear allegory.
For this reader, far more interesting were the accounts of mountaineering itself. In it is captured in surprisingly virile, energetic language, the experience we mountaineers have of the peak, the trill we get from it, the amor fati it bestows upon all those who seek, via physical mastery of self and elements, to surpass the mountain face, rise to the peak and weary, having accomplished something, survey what is below, take in the sunrise or sunset as clouds eddy around ebony peaks and the firmaments swirl pearl and amber.
Reading these essays, one is inspired above all else to go out and live. This is a wonderful thing, and heartily recommended to all my readers who wish to catalyze themselves into stupor into the depths, or perhaps I should say heights, the world has to offer.
April 10, 2025
Già nel 1930 Evola metteva in guardia dalla ''brandizzazione'' della disciplina alpinistica e il suo divenire mero atto sportivo fine a se stesso, come attività il cui scopo è la ricerca del record o l'autocelebrazione, Kristin Harila rappresenta certamente l'esempio perfetto della deviazione che la plebeizzazione della montagna nella società moderna ha portato, dove lo scalare non ha più un significato reale se non quello di battere il record e darsi delle arie.
L'intento di Evola è ricordarci cosa rappresenza veramente per i pochi, e non per i volghi, l'anelito all'andare in montagna e le sue conseguenze spirituali. Quella frase dal libro di Milarepa ''Andare fra le montagne selvagge è una via alla liberazione''. Di come scalare la montagna forza l'individuo al silenzio e a disattivare la chiacchiera, annulla le parole inutili e rendendolo un atto contemplativo, di come la montagna metta alla prova l'individuo.
Il fatto che questo libro sia introdotto dalla Bonesio e che in copertina sia elogiato da Reinhold Messner può essere un suggerimento su quale tipologia di Spirito si rivolga questo libro. (non possiedo quest'edizione ma quella del 1997 della SeaR edizioni nonostante io abbia spulciato l'introduzione della versione Mediterranee e mi venga voglia di acquistarlo nuovamente)
L'intento di Evola è ricordarci cosa rappresenza veramente per i pochi, e non per i volghi, l'anelito all'andare in montagna e le sue conseguenze spirituali. Quella frase dal libro di Milarepa ''Andare fra le montagne selvagge è una via alla liberazione''. Di come scalare la montagna forza l'individuo al silenzio e a disattivare la chiacchiera, annulla le parole inutili e rendendolo un atto contemplativo, di come la montagna metta alla prova l'individuo.
Il fatto che questo libro sia introdotto dalla Bonesio e che in copertina sia elogiato da Reinhold Messner può essere un suggerimento su quale tipologia di Spirito si rivolga questo libro. (non possiedo quest'edizione ma quella del 1997 della SeaR edizioni nonostante io abbia spulciato l'introduzione della versione Mediterranee e mi venga voglia di acquistarlo nuovamente)
June 21, 2024
In this somewhat intimate work, we are taken to the icy heights of the Alps through Evola's majestic description of his mountaineering endeavors. Mountaineering here is not seen as a mere sport for the masses, but as something aristocratic, a symbol for a transcendent process, which in traditional times took place with heroes and royal figures. The inner transformation caused by mountaineering also involves amor fati, the knowledge that destiny is beyond human control, and throwing oneself into that destiny with courage and obstinacy.
January 7, 2022
Evola expresses the opinion that mountaineering is a means to awaken our senses to the spirit of our ancestors and helps us to reach out to the gods. He advocates the experience for the sake of itself rather than the modern practice of accomplishment for the sake of bragging rights. Every step and strain are of itself their own reward as we push ourselves to live up to the greatness that our very blood has imbued in us.
January 9, 2025
A perfect short introduction which serves as a great microcosm of Evola’s work and views. His ideas about the mountains and mountaineering emphasize the delicate edge between the antique and modern spirit, and how we must we mindful of overrefinement else we miss the entire point and bastardize a quasi religious experience. Anyone who has spent time alone in nature and specifically the mountains will deeply resonate with this text.
July 5, 2025
Very enjoyable book, and a bit of a different side of Evola and his writings to the quite dry and technical style in his other works when he discusses his experiences of the mountains, there is surprising emotive and descriptive writing. The collected essays on the symbol and transcendent aspects of the mountains and heights benefit from their narrow focus, but are too some degree repetitive due to this book being a collection of essays.
October 22, 2024
The philosophical essays here are fantastic.
The stories of his experiences are a bit repetitive and aren't written that well if you're used to reading good fiction, could be the translator's fault.
Definitely recommend reading it, especially if you like hiking and/or mountaineering.
The stories of his experiences are a bit repetitive and aren't written that well if you're used to reading good fiction, could be the translator's fault.
Definitely recommend reading it, especially if you like hiking and/or mountaineering.
October 28, 2020
I loved Evola’s thoughts about mountains. His climbing experiences were very Interesting and I loved how he compared practically every physical aspect with some sort of spiritual symbology.
June 28, 2025
A great book! Showes the philosophical side of mountaineering and outdoor activity. I love how Evola not only talks about spiritual importance and experience of the mountain peeks but also talks about his own experiences.
Made me start taking mountaineering more seriously.
Made me start taking mountaineering more seriously.
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May 16, 2015Masterpiece
January 14, 2025
"OM." says the wind... an altitude for higher life can be found.
Read
December 7, 2025The short stories go hard. Good to know i'm climbing mountains for all the wrong reasons
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews