We are Anarchists: Essays on Anarchism, Pacifism, and the Indian Independence Movement, 1923–1953

by M.P.T. Acharya, Ole Birk Laursen (Editor)

M.P.T. Acharya (1887–1954) was a contemporary of Mohandas Gandhi during the Indian Independence Movement. Despite political differences with Gandhi, Acharya saw a tremendous anarchistic potential in the practice of non-violent direct action. We Are Essays on Anarchism, Pacifism, and the Indian Independence Movement is the first collection of essays by M. P. T. Acharya. A transnational and revolutionary figure, Acharya engaged in anticolonial activism across India, Europe, the United States, and Russia. He was also a prolific writer, whose essays are testimony to a tireless agitator and intellectual. Comprising fifty essays, the collection opens a window onto the global reach of anarchism in the interwar period and beyond, and enables a more nuanced understanding of Indian anticolonial struggles against oppressive state power, be it imperialist, Bolshevik, or capitalist. Ole Birk Laursen’s biographical introduction and notes in this collection set the essays in their historical and political context, and guide readers into Acharya’s life and thoughts.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, History, Theory

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2019

Reviews

[Doug Brunell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before reading this book I knew nothing of Acharya. After finishing it I feel like I know more about his thoughts on anarchism, capitalism, Socialism, and Communism, but what really stands out is his transformation and what ultimately led him to anarchism.

Acharya seems a doomed man from the start. Misfortune follows him like a stray dog, and with every setback he is more disillusioned with the way things are, and more vocal about the way they should be. It is inspiring reading for the burgeoning anarchist, and an important part of anarchism's history.

[Viral · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid anthology of Acharya's writings, detailing his position as an Indian anarchist and his opposition to state socialist and nationalist projects around him during the turning point and ultimate success of the Indian independence movement. While I don't agree with everything he says in these texts, I find it to be a fresh alternative take from the majority of perspectives we usually hear from during conversations about the Indian independence movement.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you've studied Indian, African, European, Communist, and anarchist history, this book will be great. Otherwise, 95% of it is completely out of context. Nothing like a book that you have to read 50 other books just to understand

[Sam Plauche · Rating 4 out of 5]

M.P.T Acharya was an amazing essayist who fully dedicated himself to both the anarchist cause and the fight for India’s independence from Great Britain. This collection of essays almost acts as an autobiography of his life as we see his thoughts mature as well as his more reactionary essays calling out specific world leaders, or internally debating different worldwide events. Sometimes the essays turned into him just bashing people he didn’t like as if the book was simply Twitter and he was ranting, which may be less enjoyable to some. His essay “On Jealousy” I think is an important read to anyone dating, as it ties jealousy to unfair power-dynamics, misogyny, and the ruling class. What I love about anarchist literature and thought is that it brings it into the household and explores how we can actualise these ideologies in our everyday life, and Acharya does exactly that throughout this book.

[Zac Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important historical work that requires extensive background knowledge in leftist theory and history to thoroughly grasp. Difficult standalone read.