Fanaticism of Liberty

This chapter explores the ongoing relevance of Stirner’s criticism of the political theology of his contemporaries in the twenty-first century. Stirner’s analysis provides insight into how we should understand the metaphysical quest for ultimate equality and freedom as a secularised Christian pursuit of emancipation that is central to modern politics. After exposing a parallel to Foucault’s notion of pastoral power and governmentality, we will look at identity politics, which seeks to emancipate particular identities from unique oppression against the fold of humanity. In the nineteenth century, identity politics revolved around economics, but it has expanded in modern times to include race, sex, religion, nationality, and other factors. Even in Stirner’s time, identity politics was criticised for instigating conflict, which should be overcome with an emphasis on our shared humanity. Yet to Stirner, either of these approaches represents an endless pursuit of an unattainable ideal and a relinquishing of one’s uniqueness, as in either case, one is commanded to conform to a normative identity.