Fascism primarily rejected which major idea prevalent during the Enlightenment?

Fascism primarily rejected the idea of faith in reason, which was a foundational concept during the Enlightenment. Enlightenment thinkers emphasized rational thought, scientific inquiry, and the belief that human beings could understand and shape their world through reason. This movement encouraged critical thinking and independence, leading to the development of democratic ideals and individual freedoms.

In contrast, fascism often promotes a strong, centralized state and relies on emotional appeals, nationalistic fervor, and sometimes mythical narratives rather than rational discourse. This ideology prioritizes collective identity, authority, and often irrational loyalty over individual reasoning and intellectual debate. The rejection of Enlightenment rationality is evident in fascist disdain for liberal democratic values, which underscore the importance of reasoning in governance and societal organization.

Religious tolerance, individual rights, and equality under the law are aspects that, while sometimes challenged by fascist regimes, are not as central to the rejection of the overall Enlightenment ideology as the dismissal of faith in reason. Fascism's reliance on emotion and authoritarian structures fundamentally contrasts with Enlightenment ideals that champion the power of reason as a tool for societal advancement.