| Title | : | Anarchism: A Collection of Revolutionary Writings |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780486419558 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 307 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 1927 |
Anarchism: A Collection of Revolutionary Writings Reviews
-
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. -
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. -
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.
-
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! -
"Şimdi en önemlisi, hedeflerimiz için kısa ve kesin bir ifade bulmak ve hangi yöne doğru ilerleyeceğimizi belirtmektir: Geleceği inşa ettiğimiz kadar, geçmişi yıkmak!"
-
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. . . . -
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.
-
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.
-
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..
-
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.
-
Amazing. The most thought-provoking and inspiring piece of political writing I've ever read. (Maybe I'll write more later here).
-
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.
-
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!
-
A great start for those who want to grasp the true meaning of anarchist philosophy. A great collection and a must.
-
Spirit of Revolt remains one of may favourite anarchists texts despite my anarchism and communism having drifted significantly from kropotkin's
-
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.
-
this book is so long reading it almost killed me. it was, however, very good
-
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.
-
‘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... -
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. -
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 সু���্দরতম মোড়কে মোড়ানো ইউটোপিয়া। সময়েই উত্তর দিবে।
-
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.
-
I mean some of it is pretty outdated. The areas where he uses science to ground his theories is admirable, but rely on evolutionary group selection, which I'm pretty sure is dismissed by most evolutionary biologists these days.
Still, he's a great writer, and its well worth a read. -
Interesting read, particularly the piece on the emergence of revolution. But I found Kropotkin too idealist - his ideas are not a true reflection of reality. This, however, is why we read; to broaden our minds
-
great and cohersive..
-
I was never a big philosophy buff, but I discovered Kropotkin in my AP European History reader. It's still a great read and one of the few philosophers I find to be an enjoyable read.
