Palm Springs bomber Guy Bartkus made headlines when he detonated a bomb at a local shopping center, injuring several people and causing widespread panic. As details about his life emerged, it was revealed that Bartkus was an adherent of an anti-natalist ideology known as “efilism.” This obscure belief system has gained attention in recent years, but what exactly is efilism and why did it drive Bartkus to commit such a heinous act?
Efilism, also known as “anti-natalism,” is a philosophy that advocates for the cessation of procreation and the eventual extinction of the human race. Its followers believe that life is inherently filled with suffering and that bringing new life into the world only perpetuates this suffering. They argue that by not having children, they are preventing future generations from experiencing pain and misery.
The origins of efilism can be traced back to the ancient Greek philosopher, Arthur Schopenhauer, who believed that life was essentially meaningless and that the only way to escape suffering was through the denial of the will to live. However, it wasn’t until the 21st century that efilism gained a following, largely due to the rise of the internet and online communities.
One of the most well-known proponents of efilism is Gary Mosher, who goes by the pseudonym “Inmendham” online. Mosher has gained a significant following on YouTube, where he posts videos discussing his beliefs and engaging in debates with those who disagree with him. He has also written several books on the subject, including “The Antinatalist Manifesto” and “The Asshole Bible.”
But it was Guy Bartkus who brought efilism into the mainstream consciousness. In a manifesto he posted online before the bombing, Bartkus expressed his belief that humanity was a “virus” and that the only way to save the planet was to eradicate the human race. He also cited efilist ideology as his motivation for the attack, claiming that he was “anti-pro-life” and that his actions were a form of “protest” against the continuation of human existence.
However, many have questioned whether Bartkus truly understood the principles of efilism or if he simply used it as a justification for his violent actions. Efilism, at its core, is a non-violent philosophy that advocates for the voluntary decision to not have children. It does not condone or promote violence in any form.
In fact, many efilists argue that Bartkus’ actions were counterproductive to the cause. By committing a violent act, he only reinforced the negative stereotypes associated with efilism and alienated potential followers. Efilism is a philosophy that relies on rational and ethical arguments, not violence, to spread its message.
Furthermore, efilism is often misunderstood as being “anti-life” or “anti-human.” In reality, efilists believe that life is valuable and should be preserved, but that procreation is not the only way to achieve this. They argue that there are other ways to find meaning and fulfillment in life, such as through art, science, and relationships.
In addition, efilism does not advocate for the immediate extinction of the human race. Instead, it promotes the gradual decline of the population through voluntary childlessness. Efilists believe that by not having children, they are breaking the cycle of suffering and creating a better world for future generations.
Despite the negative attention brought on by Bartkus’ actions, efilism continues to gain followers and spark discussions about the ethics of procreation. Its proponents argue that it is a logical and compassionate response to the problems facing humanity, such as overpopulation, climate change, and resource depletion.
In conclusion, efilism is a complex and controversial ideology that challenges traditional beliefs about the value of human life. While the actions of the Palm Springs bomber may have brought attention to this philosophy, it is important to understand that his violent act does not represent the true principles of efilism. Efilists believe in a peaceful and voluntary approach to reducing suffering and creating a better world for all.
