You may sometimes feel overwhelmed by the forces of a modern world that is constantly changing. The worst part is that these changes are not always understood or mean changes for the better. I myself sometimes think that many things seem completely crazy, meaningless or not as lasting as they once were.

I recently came across Julius Evola's Ride the Tiger and was pleasantly surprised. It is not about changing the system or going back to the past, but about finding a way to exist above decadence, using it as a driving force for self-mastery. Below, I will explore the main teachings of the book in practical and applicable language, since reading the book can sometimes be quite arduous, although rewarding.

Oh, and one detail: Some may associate Evola's figure and philosophy with the Far Right because of his conservatism and traditionalism. But, obviously, as you know me, I am not a hostage to any philosophical or political ideology. Honestly, I think that any extremism is just another path to slavery. I identify myself as a free thinker and I am here to bring interesting topics for individual evolution. Let's go!

1. "Ride the Tiger" – Adapt without becoming corrupt

The first interesting point here is that directly resisting modern decadence is futile. Instead, the differentiated man must learn to "ride the tiger", that is, to use the movement of chaos itself for his evolution. The tiger symbolizes the chaotic and destructive force of modernity. Facing it head on will almost always result in defeat. But those who ride it and adapt, standing firm, can go beyond collapse.

Heracles and the Nemea Lion - Pieter Paul Rubens

This does not mean surrendering. It is simply an attitude of strategic wisdom: not opposing the flow just on principle, but positioning oneself so as to go through the turbulence with lucidity and honor. This is part of an active adaptation, where integrity is more important than masks and the external appearance of resistance.

2. Be Invulnerable Within

For Evola, true strength lies in the spirit, not in matter. The individual who builds a greater purpose becomes invulnerable and untouchable by the nihilism, massification, and existential crises of the modern world. This strength comes from discipline, introspection, and connection with an inner axis that remains intact even when everything around it falls apart.

This invulnerability is achieved through the constant practice of self-discipline, silence and detachment. It is a form of spiritual shielding that transforms the individual into a firm center in the midst of chaos. Stability does not depend on external circumstances, but on the solidity of the being.

3. Deny any blind activism

Another interesting topic is the criticism of modern activism. This activism is generally an empty search for change, usually disconnected from any deeper basis. Blindly engaging in causes, movements or collective struggles often reinforces other aspects of the very system one wants to combat. Evola advocates a stance of lucid detachment: acting, yes, but with an inner purpose and not as a superficial reaction.

A differentiated person acts when necessary, but never out of ideological impulse. They understand that some structures are as they are and are doomed to collapse. In this case, energy is best spent on building and improving oneself. This stance may seem passive, but it is, in fact, deeply active at the most important level: that of one's consciousness.

4. Take the individual and differentiated path

Have you ever heard of the Warrior's path? The journey proposed by Evola is solitary and not within everyone's reach. It is a path for the few who feel displaced from the modern world, but who also do not belong to any alternative movement. It is a path marked by autonomy, self-improvement and connection with values.

The Temptation of Saint Anthony - Salvador Dali

This path requires courage, as it breaks with the comforts of the collective. The individual does not seek approval, nor does he follow fads. He walks towards a transcendent center, which is not offered by mass religions, but rather discovered in inner silence and in the constant confrontation with oneself.

5. Overcome nihilism

The collapse of modern values can generate an existential vacuum: nihilism. Instead of succumbing to pessimism and despair, Evola sees this as an opportunity: if there is a void, then there is space to build a new inner axis, free from the illusions of the world. The void is thus a fertile field for transformation.

Overcoming nihilism does not mean filling it with anything, but facing it with courage and awareness. It means rejecting both the false promises of modernity and emotional palliatives. In the silence of emptiness, the individual can find something greater and dedicate himself to his own journey towards his purpose.

6. Overcome the modern ego

The ego is one of the great idols of modernity. For Evola, the dissolution of this ego is an essential step to access a deeper reality. This does not mean erasing individuality, but going beyond the socially constructed persona, based on desires, images and narcissism.

This process requires practices that break with self-image and external stimuli. Contemplation, art, contact with nature and meditation are ways to overcome this small “self” and make room for the “authentic being” – a being rooted in the eternal and not in the transitory.

7. Act without expecting results

Drawing inspiration from Eastern traditions such as the Bhagavad Gita, Evola values action done without attachment to the result. The individual who acts with purity of intention and detachment demonstrates a higher level of consciousness. He does what must be done, even if the world does not understand, recognize or reward it.

This stance eliminates anxiety and selfishness from action. The focus is no longer on external impact but on the integrity with which one acts. It is an ethic based on inner coherence, where action is an expression of an ordered being, and not of personal desires or collective agendas.

8. Prepare for collapse

Evola states that the collapse of the modern world is inevitable. This is not a nihilistic view, but rather a reason for preparation. He arms himself internally to cross the rubble with serenity and lucidity, ready to start again when the time is right.

This preparation is not only material, but also spiritual. It involves cultivating a worldview that does not depend on external stability. When everything collapses, the one who built his house on the inner rock with discipline and purpose will be the only one capable of sustaining something new and true.

These are the points that I considered most relevant in Evola's work with this content. My objective here was not to summarize Evola's work, but rather to bring my reflections for the evolution of each one of you. After all, the truth is also here within. Until next time!

Ride the Tiger: The Secret Path in a Chaotic World