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Anarchism: A Collection of Revolutionary Writings
One of the few members of the Russian aristocracy to become a revolutionary, Prince Peter Kropotkin (1842‒1921) renounced his title at the age of 12. He later became one of the leading theorists of anarchism. Forced to flee his homeland in the 1870s to avoid arrest for his revolutionary activities against the czarist government, the noted geographer and social philosopher lived in exile, mainly in England, for the next 42 years of his life. During this period Kropotkin wrote a number of pamphlets on the practical and moral aspects of the anarchist movement. Allowed to return to Russia in 1917, he continued to write but remained vigorously opposed to the Bolsheviks and Marxist socialism.
This collection contains a number of his important writings, including the brief but moving "Spirit of Revolt"; "Modern Science and Anarchism," an investigation of the scientific principles of revolutionary anarchism; "Law and Authority," an argument for social control through custom and education; "Prisons and Their Moral Influence on Prisoners," an unparalleled description of the evils of the prison system (which Kropotkin witnessed during his incarcerations); a note on the 1917 revolution and the Soviet government; and five other documents. Also reprinted is Kropotkin's article for the Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Anarchism," widely considered the best statement in English on the meaning, history, and aims of revolutionary anarchism.
A valuable addition to the libraries of instructors and students of history and government, this modestly priced volume also will appeal to anyone interested in aspects of anarchist thought.
This collection contains a number of his important writings, including the brief but moving "Spirit of Revolt"; "Modern Science and Anarchism," an investigation of the scientific principles of revolutionary anarchism; "Law and Authority," an argument for social control through custom and education; "Prisons and Their Moral Influence on Prisoners," an unparalleled description of the evils of the prison system (which Kropotkin witnessed during his incarcerations); a note on the 1917 revolution and the Soviet government; and five other documents. Also reprinted is Kropotkin's article for the Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Anarchism," widely considered the best statement in English on the meaning, history, and aims of revolutionary anarchism.
A valuable addition to the libraries of instructors and students of history and government, this modestly priced volume also will appeal to anyone interested in aspects of anarchist thought.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1927
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About the author
Pyotr Kropotkin
385 books962 followersPyotr Alekseyevich Kropotkin, prince, Russian anarchist, and political philosopher, greatly influenced movements throughout the world and maintained that cooperation, not competition, the means, bettered the human condition.
Pyotr Alexeyevich Kropotkin (Пётр Алексеевич Кропоткин, other spelling: Pëtr Kropotkin, Pierre Kropotkine), who described him as "a man with a soul of that beautiful white Christ, which seems coming." He wrote many books, pamphlets and articles, the most prominent being The Conquest of Bread and Fields, Factories and Workshops , and his principal scientific offering, Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution . He also contributed to the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition .
Pyotr Alexeyevich Kropotkin (Пётр Алексеевич Кропоткин, other spelling: Pëtr Kropotkin, Pierre Kropotkine), who described him as "a man with a soul of that beautiful white Christ, which seems coming." He wrote many books, pamphlets and articles, the most prominent being The Conquest of Bread and Fields, Factories and Workshops , and his principal scientific offering, Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution . He also contributed to the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 20, 2020
I couldn't have been more than 16 or 17 at the time, half my lifetime ago at least, but I still remember the day I bought this book. It's easy to remember, because it was at my first Propagandhi show. They were, and are, my favourite punk rock band. They, along with a few other bands, were largely responsible for opening my mind to radical leftwing politics. And at my first Propagandhi show, they had a merch table full of leftist literature. They provided me the chance to explore this new mindset through my love of books, which at the time was second only to my love of music.
So I emptied my little bank account purchasing an armful of books with names on them like Kropotkin and Chomsky. I knew they were going to be tough reads, as you were more likely to find me reading Stephen King or R.A. Salvatore back then, but I also fancied myself a lot more precocious than I actually was, and was confident there was nothing in the world that my teenage brain could not absorb.
I was wrong. I read all the books, but I know my eyes tended to glaze over for large sections of most of them. I know, having reread most of them later in life when I had a better capacity for such things, that I almost certainly did not properly grasp something like Chomsky's discussion of American hegemony. There were exceptions though, and one was Kroptokin's writings on anarchism.
This book is so very accessible, I think my teenage self may have even grasped it nearly as well I thought I did. Reading it at my current age, I tended to find portions of it redundant and over-simplified, but I think that is also what makes it perfect for introducing young people to the basic tenets and ideals of anarchism and leftism, if their exposure to such things was limited beforehand. Kropotkin has a great talent for offering up deconstructions of the State, and his criticisms are equally poignant when analyzing either capitalist or communist States. And most of these criticisms are every bit as valid today as they were over a hundred years ago, when he wrote most of this.
But, I will say, while his arguments against statehood are quite compelling, his construction of the society that will come afterwards is less so. His allusions to our custom of social order and the inherent nature of human morality, while not entirely unfounded, do strike me a bit like a pollyanna, glossing over problems which actually need serious addressing. While I do agree with the abolition of institutional government, along with much of its trappings, I do feel there does need to be some method of decentralized governance, which Kropotkin seems to feel is unnecessary, happy to let the pieces fall where they may based on his trust in humanity's better nature. I do agree that humanity's better nature will prevail much more successfully under a collectivist society that provides for its people, rather than how capitalism fails to do do, but I do feel it would be naive to believe that we can proceed without any overarching social constructs whatsoever. Never mind the fact that there is very little talk of what will take place in the transitional post-revolution time, arguably the most important time for ensuring the new society arises the way you want it to.
I really appreciated Kropotkin's tackling the idea of individualization versus individualism. I've often said that the individualism touted by people like Stirner and up to modern libertarians/an-caps is a toxic perversion of the anarchist spirit of collectivism. This individualism is what has led to many of us disconnecting from our fellow humans and our shared society, what has led certain individuals to fancy themselves islands. Kropotkin puts it very well when he notes that these people who ascribe to individualism ultimately ignore that following their philosophy through to its logical end, at least in capitalist society, results in the elevation of a few select individuals who enjoy sprawling themselves across the social landscape at the cost of many other individuals around them. A system must allow for individualization, but it has to be one of collectivism as well, so as to prevent individualism from running rampant and ultimately destroying its own professed primary principle.
Anyway, I've gone on longer than I intended. Long story short, this is an important book, especially for young people just being introduced to leftism and anti-Statehood. I'm going to give it three stars, but my teenage self gives it four stars.
So I emptied my little bank account purchasing an armful of books with names on them like Kropotkin and Chomsky. I knew they were going to be tough reads, as you were more likely to find me reading Stephen King or R.A. Salvatore back then, but I also fancied myself a lot more precocious than I actually was, and was confident there was nothing in the world that my teenage brain could not absorb.
I was wrong. I read all the books, but I know my eyes tended to glaze over for large sections of most of them. I know, having reread most of them later in life when I had a better capacity for such things, that I almost certainly did not properly grasp something like Chomsky's discussion of American hegemony. There were exceptions though, and one was Kroptokin's writings on anarchism.
This book is so very accessible, I think my teenage self may have even grasped it nearly as well I thought I did. Reading it at my current age, I tended to find portions of it redundant and over-simplified, but I think that is also what makes it perfect for introducing young people to the basic tenets and ideals of anarchism and leftism, if their exposure to such things was limited beforehand. Kropotkin has a great talent for offering up deconstructions of the State, and his criticisms are equally poignant when analyzing either capitalist or communist States. And most of these criticisms are every bit as valid today as they were over a hundred years ago, when he wrote most of this.
But, I will say, while his arguments against statehood are quite compelling, his construction of the society that will come afterwards is less so. His allusions to our custom of social order and the inherent nature of human morality, while not entirely unfounded, do strike me a bit like a pollyanna, glossing over problems which actually need serious addressing. While I do agree with the abolition of institutional government, along with much of its trappings, I do feel there does need to be some method of decentralized governance, which Kropotkin seems to feel is unnecessary, happy to let the pieces fall where they may based on his trust in humanity's better nature. I do agree that humanity's better nature will prevail much more successfully under a collectivist society that provides for its people, rather than how capitalism fails to do do, but I do feel it would be naive to believe that we can proceed without any overarching social constructs whatsoever. Never mind the fact that there is very little talk of what will take place in the transitional post-revolution time, arguably the most important time for ensuring the new society arises the way you want it to.
I really appreciated Kropotkin's tackling the idea of individualization versus individualism. I've often said that the individualism touted by people like Stirner and up to modern libertarians/an-caps is a toxic perversion of the anarchist spirit of collectivism. This individualism is what has led to many of us disconnecting from our fellow humans and our shared society, what has led certain individuals to fancy themselves islands. Kropotkin puts it very well when he notes that these people who ascribe to individualism ultimately ignore that following their philosophy through to its logical end, at least in capitalist society, results in the elevation of a few select individuals who enjoy sprawling themselves across the social landscape at the cost of many other individuals around them. A system must allow for individualization, but it has to be one of collectivism as well, so as to prevent individualism from running rampant and ultimately destroying its own professed primary principle.
Anyway, I've gone on longer than I intended. Long story short, this is an important book, especially for young people just being introduced to leftism and anti-Statehood. I'm going to give it three stars, but my teenage self gives it four stars.
April 21, 2012
Peter Kropotkin (1842-1921) was a member of the Russian aristocracy who became one of the leading theorists of anarchism. He spent most of his adult life in exile, mainly in England. This book is an anthology of his writings on anarchism. His view of anarchism is essentially idealistic , viewing it as a "natural phenomenon" (p 236). He was revolutionary, but opposed the excesses of the Russian Revolution, looking to a future where individuals could work in voluntary groups to accomplish their ends.
In addition to the excellent statement on anarchism he prepared for the Encyclopedia Britannica the book also includes the essays, "Modern Science and Anarchism", "Law and Authority", and "Prisons and their Moral Influence". The "Spirit of Revolt" is a brief but moving personal statement of belief while the other essays discuss principles, education, and ethics of anarchism. I found this book a valuable contribution to the history of anarchist thought.
In addition to the excellent statement on anarchism he prepared for the Encyclopedia Britannica the book also includes the essays, "Modern Science and Anarchism", "Law and Authority", and "Prisons and their Moral Influence". The "Spirit of Revolt" is a brief but moving personal statement of belief while the other essays discuss principles, education, and ethics of anarchism. I found this book a valuable contribution to the history of anarchist thought.
July 24, 2024
I‘m an Anarchist now
July 13, 2021
First, some stylist feed-back. Peter Kropotkin’s revolutionary writings are so well-written. His style of writing and usage of words makes everything understandable. Yet, the editor of the pamphlets left some of the original pages out, but I didn’t even notice.
Second, some textual feed-back. Since Peter Kropotkin wrote a lot of texts in the 19th century, some passages are outdated and old-fashioned. For example, he wrote his articles and pamphlets in a context of 12-16 hours workdays. Yet, most of the formulated principles are still up-to-date.
In short, if you want to know more about (communist) anarchism, this book is absolutely amazing! This book covers a broad range of topics: prisons, revolutions, science, etc. He explains everything very well and clever. Before reading this book, I didn’t know a lot about anarchism, but now I grasp and support his main arguments. To conclude, we don’t need a government or laws or any authority whatsoever. Why? Read this book!
Second, some textual feed-back. Since Peter Kropotkin wrote a lot of texts in the 19th century, some passages are outdated and old-fashioned. For example, he wrote his articles and pamphlets in a context of 12-16 hours workdays. Yet, most of the formulated principles are still up-to-date.
In short, if you want to know more about (communist) anarchism, this book is absolutely amazing! This book covers a broad range of topics: prisons, revolutions, science, etc. He explains everything very well and clever. Before reading this book, I didn’t know a lot about anarchism, but now I grasp and support his main arguments. To conclude, we don’t need a government or laws or any authority whatsoever. Why? Read this book!
July 10, 2022
Of all the stupid yet inexplicably popular political ideologies, anarchism is definitely in the top five. Libertarianism and fascism are both up there, to be sure, but I genuinely think anarchism might be stupider than both of them combined.
July 6, 2017
"Şimdi en önemlisi, hedeflerimiz için kısa ve kesin bir ifade bulmak ve hangi yöne doğru ilerleyeceğimizi belirtmektir: Geleceği inşa ettiğimiz kadar, geçmişi yıkmak!"
June 20, 2010
Peter Kropotkin was a from a noble Rusian family. He was a naturalist and a political activist--and one of the leading Russian anarchist thinkers and actors. This book is a compilation of his "revolutionary pamphlets." These run the gamut from his Encyclopedia Britannica article on anarchism (not sure I'd call that revolutionaey, appearing in such a staid publication!) to essays on anarchist morality. There are essays on prisons, law and authority, the Russian Revolution and consequent Soviet government, and so on. There is also a set of essays on Kropotkin the person and the editing of the pamphlets in this volume.
Useful entree to the writing of Peter Kropotkin. . . .
Useful entree to the writing of Peter Kropotkin. . . .
July 31, 2015
I found this book not interesting. It was not the good experience for me.Or may be I don't believe in anarchism philosophy. Some times I feel that anarchism is a part of my thinking but after reading this book I certainly don't think so. The writer has passion in his writing and the hate for science and its misuse as well as growing inequalities on economic as well as social parameters are the best of his work. I will probably read this book again to understand in proper manner in the context of the society at that particular time and in present scenario. I am confused while rating this book. So go for it.
January 30, 2016
There is a bit about prisons in here that is great, and also one on ethics that is wonderful. I guess Kropotkin got pissed off cuz a bunch of anarchos were just 'borrowing' books from the anarchist book store and not bringing 'em back... it's anarchy, dude! and he had to school 'em, so that's why his essay on ethics. ever since i read that, i've been noticing that some of the people most opposed to even talking about anarchism are the ones most likely to be breaking the rules in the system they support.
October 29, 2014
Amazing, even those most critical of anarchism will be swayed by Kropotkin's direct and arousing call to action . While reading this book, don't be surprised if you sit back for a few minutes wondering how smart a person can be. I recommend it to anyone beginning to get into political philosophy, regardless of their political inclinations. Using the science of evolution and morals, Kropotkin leads us towards a society which might not be as unatainable as previously thought..
October 13, 2009
So far This seminal Anarchist is expanding my view of how socialism could have engaged so many in revolutionary action and still is a powerful force that is attractive for many. His hard line Anarchism is pretty idealistic and I love that it is so far just that An Ideal, but one to engage with.
December 18, 2009
Amazing. The most thought-provoking and inspiring piece of political writing I've ever read. (Maybe I'll write more later here).
May 25, 2024
Como el título dice, es una colección de varios panfletos que Kropotkin escribió a lo largo de su vida, explicando diversos aspectos de la ideología anarquista que él proponía, el anarco-comunismo. Dado que la meta de dichos panfletos era difundir sus ideas y aclarar ciertos puntos de contención, cubre varias temáticas: Desde las bases ideológicas más simples (qué es el socialismo y el anarco-comunismo, por qué existe, cual es su meta, etc.) a elementos más concretos (como se castigaría el crimen en una sociedad anarquista, el abandono del sistema de sueldos, las bases morales y éticas del anarquismo, el funcionamiento de lo que hoy llamamos ONGs como modelo para una futura sociedad anarquista, etc). En ese sentido, es un libro interesante, porque responde a preguntas que, a día de hoy, todavía son planteadas con frecuencia sea con buena o mala fe, y sorprendentemente varias de sus respuestas y explicaciones son todavía aplicables. Su crítica de la democracia indirecta liberal como un sistema que no produce buenos líderes, sino una clase de incompetentes corruptos que solo son buenos a la hora de trepar la jerarquía, es algo que todavía puedes reconocer mirando las noticias cada día.
No todo se mantiene igual de relevante, obviamente. Primeramente, una de las defensas más frecuentes de la ideología anarquista que Kropotkin hace usa razonamientos basados en la concepción decimonónica de la evolución. Esencialmente, el anarquismo como resultado natural de la evolución social humana, aunque señala la colaboración entre individuos como motor del progreso, opuesto a la idea más frecuente del darwinismo social que dice que las sociedades progresan mediante competición y enfrentamiento. Si bien todavía puedes encontrar gente que tira de argumentos similares, y la idea de la evolución como una constante competición entre especies en las que solo sobrevive el más apto ha sido mayormente desbancada, la frecuencia con la que Kropotkin recurre al razonamiento "científico" para el anarquismo es un poco ridícula en retrospectiva. También hay varios elementos socio-económicos que lógicamente ya no son aplicables o relevantes en el mundo actual, pero eso es algo que se puede esperar de un libro que recoge ensayos escritos hace más de 120 años.
En general, es un buen punto de inicio para cualquiera que esté interesado en ideas anarquistas, dado que aunque ha habido una considerable evolución en el movimiento (la aparición de escuelas de pensamiento como el post-anarquismo y el anarquismo post-izquierdista siendo lo más relevante), muchos de los conceptos que Kropotkin trata todavía son valiosos y aportan una buena base sobre la que ir desarrollando una interpretación personal del concepto de anarquismo, y desmantela varios conceptos muy estúpidos que, aun a día de hoy, te puedes encontrar entre supuestos anarquistas.
No todo se mantiene igual de relevante, obviamente. Primeramente, una de las defensas más frecuentes de la ideología anarquista que Kropotkin hace usa razonamientos basados en la concepción decimonónica de la evolución. Esencialmente, el anarquismo como resultado natural de la evolución social humana, aunque señala la colaboración entre individuos como motor del progreso, opuesto a la idea más frecuente del darwinismo social que dice que las sociedades progresan mediante competición y enfrentamiento. Si bien todavía puedes encontrar gente que tira de argumentos similares, y la idea de la evolución como una constante competición entre especies en las que solo sobrevive el más apto ha sido mayormente desbancada, la frecuencia con la que Kropotkin recurre al razonamiento "científico" para el anarquismo es un poco ridícula en retrospectiva. También hay varios elementos socio-económicos que lógicamente ya no son aplicables o relevantes en el mundo actual, pero eso es algo que se puede esperar de un libro que recoge ensayos escritos hace más de 120 años.
En general, es un buen punto de inicio para cualquiera que esté interesado en ideas anarquistas, dado que aunque ha habido una considerable evolución en el movimiento (la aparición de escuelas de pensamiento como el post-anarquismo y el anarquismo post-izquierdista siendo lo más relevante), muchos de los conceptos que Kropotkin trata todavía son valiosos y aportan una buena base sobre la que ir desarrollando una interpretación personal del concepto de anarquismo, y desmantela varios conceptos muy estúpidos que, aun a día de hoy, te puedes encontrar entre supuestos anarquistas.
March 5, 2024
I bought this book hoping that it will clear my mind, or at least, reinforce my view by offering some solutions and good argument.
But I didn't get any answer, and I now feel even more lost. Lost in the sense that although I'm quite convinced that anarchism is the only way, and I agree with all Kropotkin's criticism of the state, church, law, or any other forms of authority and bureaucracy; his solutions do not impress me, in particular his proposals in regards to communism, economic reform and treating criminals like brothers etc.
Perhaps I have been brainwashed by capitalism for too long .. It's not easy to picture a society that's completely different from my time, and almost impossible to validate Kropotkin's ideas in real life. While Kropotkin's essays are not giving me answers, it was a good start. I'm planning to read more of these types of essays by other authors. Wish me luck!
But I didn't get any answer, and I now feel even more lost. Lost in the sense that although I'm quite convinced that anarchism is the only way, and I agree with all Kropotkin's criticism of the state, church, law, or any other forms of authority and bureaucracy; his solutions do not impress me, in particular his proposals in regards to communism, economic reform and treating criminals like brothers etc.
Perhaps I have been brainwashed by capitalism for too long .. It's not easy to picture a society that's completely different from my time, and almost impossible to validate Kropotkin's ideas in real life. While Kropotkin's essays are not giving me answers, it was a good start. I'm planning to read more of these types of essays by other authors. Wish me luck!
May 19, 2023
I’m glad my teenage son got me to read this. I am much better informed having finished this classic compilation of essays or pamphlets. Kropotkin’s anarchy seems utopian to me although he denies this. My son tells me the Kurds practice a form of it and it seems to work for them. I’m not big on government or law enforcement but I can’t see our system completely torn down. Reform is urgently needed in the US. Our democracy is more fragile than I could have imagined before Trump. Our police seemingly escalate bad or benign situations. We learn of daily gun shootings including with weapons of war. Sadly, seems like benevolent anarchy could work on a smaller scale with like-minded, informed, empathetic, patient, energetic people. Qualities we lack as a nation.
July 26, 2023
Having previously read “Conquest of Bread” I was interested, though not convinced of Kropotkin’s thoughts and formations of communism. However, having read this and now understanding his full array of ideas and conceptions of communism, I fully understand why he argues for anarcho-communism. A very well put together book and very well put together ideas!
January 4, 2024
Book is a good introduction to understand anarchist theory, and anyone interested in political ideologies should read it. Kropotkins definitely gives an argument on why anarchism is not idealistic, how it can look like, and some of it basic principles.
July 20, 2018
A great start for those who want to grasp the true meaning of anarchist philosophy. A great collection and a must.
November 8, 2018
Spirit of Revolt remains one of may favourite anarchists texts despite my anarchism and communism having drifted significantly from kropotkin's
July 17, 2019
Kropotkin is fundemental to the teachings of Left doctrine, but more importantly what The Church should aspire to be in regards of altruism; especially in the United states.
April 30, 2020
this book is so long reading it almost killed me. it was, however, very good
October 15, 2022
This book indeed influenced me a lot since I first time read it. It might be around 2015. There are a lot of quotes in the book that I still apply in my life.
January 25, 2023
I think everyone will undestend our world. Just team work can funcion, no wars and hate.
January 27, 2024
He's so dumb
February 13, 2024
‘Anarchy,’ a non-dispassionately abused and confused term, used as a tool to stoke fear and perpetuate the institutions it threatens. In a world of misinformation and misappropriation, a collection of writings by one of anarchism’s better known proponents offers clarity.
Polemical, yes, being, as it is, a collection of writings issued in pamphlet form or for public performance. But there are sufficient enlightened gems sparkling throughout to arouse a spirit laid dormant by the fear and apathy engendered by institutional indoctrination.
Being conditioned, as the majority of us are, to evermore elaborate and convoluted linguistic and discursive contortions built out of an imperative to obscure a central deceit - a fundamental faultline underpinning an ideological foundation - its straightforward, accessible, even ‘commonsense’, style may in some ways work against it as appearing akin in tone and style to the simplistic, populist, reactionary tracts that pollute so much popular discourse.
As an open philosophy created for and by us all, its analyses and conclusions are inherently accessible in nature, and apparently self-explanatory - but they are satisfying; being built upon a body of rigorous thought, observation, and experience, it robustly withstands and negotiates intellectual and academic scrutiny.
As a platform for political action, it may or may not convince: that is for you to decide. However, if this book does nothing more than demystify what ‘anarchism’ represents, which it does with clarity, intelligence, and integrity, then that is reason enough to recommend it in this world of misinformation and misappropriation.
https://tracinghorizons.com/inspirati...
Polemical, yes, being, as it is, a collection of writings issued in pamphlet form or for public performance. But there are sufficient enlightened gems sparkling throughout to arouse a spirit laid dormant by the fear and apathy engendered by institutional indoctrination.
Being conditioned, as the majority of us are, to evermore elaborate and convoluted linguistic and discursive contortions built out of an imperative to obscure a central deceit - a fundamental faultline underpinning an ideological foundation - its straightforward, accessible, even ‘commonsense’, style may in some ways work against it as appearing akin in tone and style to the simplistic, populist, reactionary tracts that pollute so much popular discourse.
As an open philosophy created for and by us all, its analyses and conclusions are inherently accessible in nature, and apparently self-explanatory - but they are satisfying; being built upon a body of rigorous thought, observation, and experience, it robustly withstands and negotiates intellectual and academic scrutiny.
As a platform for political action, it may or may not convince: that is for you to decide. However, if this book does nothing more than demystify what ‘anarchism’ represents, which it does with clarity, intelligence, and integrity, then that is reason enough to recommend it in this world of misinformation and misappropriation.
https://tracinghorizons.com/inspirati...
January 23, 2019
I felt that Revolutionary Pamphlets was a very good summary of anarchism and revolutionary thoughts. Generally, many of the ideas are good or nice ideals. However, in practice, these theories rarely result in the utopia sought. Kropotkin is an excellent writer and I found his exposition on prisons to be very through and thoughtful. That being said, he did of course spend some time in prison and had some first-hand experience.
I did find him to be rather naïve when he discusses how the people will simply agree on what things are good and bad for society. Of course, most of us can agree on the difference between good and evil, and classify what falls into those categories on a broad basis. However, it is extremely simplistic to believe that people will agree on HOW something is to be done. There are always an endless number of opinions and to believe that people will kumbaya their way to a consensus is faulty. Even the simplest of possibilities cannot be finished without some sort of disagreement. We can ultimately agree that something needs to be done, but there are enough NIMBY people out there to hamper even the most well-meant projects out there. Hence, you likely need some form of authority to make decisions, as you won’t be able to make everyone happy.
I found somewhat this statement rather humorous: “variety, conflict even, is life and that uniformity is death.” He found out the hard way how communism brings in the definition of uniformity- so it wouldn’t be something you want to promote. That being said, I know once communism was established in Russia and he saw how things fell out he was not pleased and retracted many of his former pro statements on communism.
Overall, I found it a worthwhile read.
I did find him to be rather naïve when he discusses how the people will simply agree on what things are good and bad for society. Of course, most of us can agree on the difference between good and evil, and classify what falls into those categories on a broad basis. However, it is extremely simplistic to believe that people will agree on HOW something is to be done. There are always an endless number of opinions and to believe that people will kumbaya their way to a consensus is faulty. Even the simplest of possibilities cannot be finished without some sort of disagreement. We can ultimately agree that something needs to be done, but there are enough NIMBY people out there to hamper even the most well-meant projects out there. Hence, you likely need some form of authority to make decisions, as you won’t be able to make everyone happy.
I found somewhat this statement rather humorous: “variety, conflict even, is life and that uniformity is death.” He found out the hard way how communism brings in the definition of uniformity- so it wouldn’t be something you want to promote. That being said, I know once communism was established in Russia and he saw how things fell out he was not pleased and retracted many of his former pro statements on communism.
Overall, I found it a worthwhile read.
June 18, 2014
This is a solid book that lays down the fundamentals of Anarchist thought. Anarchism, in our own day, is stigmatized, and alludes to violence and chaos, but this is not what Kropotkin is defining. In his collection of essays, he is referring to a communal way of life where people govern and regulate their own actions, where they do not need the state/government to mediate their affairs.
This book is ambitious and makes the case for a society without coercion, where people could look after themselves. I imagine that many will disagree with his premise and arguments, but it is a unique book nonetheless.
This book is ambitious and makes the case for a society without coercion, where people could look after themselves. I imagine that many will disagree with his premise and arguments, but it is a unique book nonetheless.
January 13, 2015
Of course not everything in a book first published in 1927 will retain its currency but this holds up well. I'm not convinced that Kropotkin's anarchist communism (note lower case) is any more likely to work than any other version of communism. With 7.1 billion people the ship has sailed on stateless societies.
Overall his concepts about what constitute freedom are solid and there is value in his exploration of anarchism from both a philosophical and a practical standpoint.
Overall his concepts about what constitute freedom are solid and there is value in his exploration of anarchism from both a philosophical and a practical standpoint.
June 30, 2015
এনলাইটমেন্ট এর ক্লাসিকাল উদারনীতি ধারা মানুষ সম্পর্কে যে গুরুত্বপূর্ন দুটি প্রত্যয় ঘোষণা করে, “মানুষ মাত্রই স্বাধীনতাকামী’ এবং “ মানুষ মাত্রই যৌক্তিক” তার সম্ভবত সর্বোচ্চ জ্ঞানতাত্ত্বিক ও দৃষ্টিভঙ্গীগত প্রকাশ এনার্কিজম। সম্ভবত মহত্তম ও। কেননা সে রাষ্ট্র ও ব্যক্তি মানুষের সংঘাতকে বোঝে এবং সে সকল প্রকার হস্তক্ষেপকে বিলুপ্ত ঘোষনা করে।তবে আমি সন্দিহান,হয়তো এটি ইউটোপিয়া । যদি ইউটোপিয়া হয়, তবে এ যাবত কালের সবচেয়ে সুন্দরতম মোড়কে মোড়ানো ইউটোপিয়া। সময়েই উত্তর দিবে।
January 12, 2012
Kropotkin takes the approach of a scientist in explaining anarchism. He uses examples from natural science to prove his point of view. The whole minor rant about individualism and the contradictory emphasis in it later on is a minor dent in this otherwise very solid book on one of the least understood political ideologies.
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