are some good Anarchist
Books to read:
Did some one say ANARCHY?
(the anarchist movement has been around way before punk rock and it has nothing to
do with Hot Topic or what Fox Channel 11 news says - I found this online)
Emma Goldman
http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/Goldman/
Anarchism is a political theory which aims to create anarchy, "the absence of a master,
of a sovereign." [P-J Proudhon, What is Property , p. 264] In other words, anarchism is
a political theory which aims to create a society within which individuals freely
co-operate together as equals. As such anarchism opposes all forms of hierarchical
control - be that control by the state or a ccapitalist - as harmful to the individual and
their individuality as well as unnecessary.
In the words of anarchist L. Susan Brown:
"While the popular understanding of anarchism is of a violent, anti-State movement,
anarchism is a much more subtle and nuanced tradition then a simple opposition to
government power. Anarchists oppose the idea that power and domination are
necessary for society, and instead advocate more co-operative, anti-hierarchical forms
of social, political and economic organisation." [The Politics of Individualism, p. 106]
A.1.1 What does "anarchy" mean?
The word "anarchy" is from the Greek, prefix an (or a), meaning "not," "the want of,"
"the absence of," or "the lack of", plus archos, meaning "a ruler," "director", "chief,"
"person in charge," or "authority." Or, as Peter Kropotkin put it, Anarchy comes from
the Greek words meaning "contrary to authority." [Anarchism, p. 284]
"Anarchism can be understood as the generic social and political idea that expresses
negation of all power, sovereignty, domination, and hierarchical division, and a will to
their dissolution. . . Anarchism is therefore more than anti-statism . . . [even if]
government (the state) . . . is, appropriately, the central focus of anarchist critique."
[Reinventing Anarchy, p. 139]
"Anarchism is a movement for human freedom. It is concrete, democratic and
egalitarian . . . Anarchism began -- and remains -- a direct challenge by the
underprivileged to their oppression and exploitation. It opposes both the insidious
growth of state power and the pernicious ethos of possessive individualism, which,
together or separately, ultimately serve only the interests of the few at the expense of
the rest.
"Anarchism is both a theory and practice of life. Philosophically, it aims for the maximum
accord between the individual, society and nature. Practically, it aims for us to organise
and live our lives in such a way as to make politicians, governments, states and their
officials superfluous. In an anarchist society, mutually respectful sovereign individuals
would be organised in non-coercive relationships within naturally defined communities
in which the means of production and distribution are held in common.
"Anarchists are not dreamers obsessed with abstract principles and theoretical
constructs . . . Anarchists are well aware that a perfect society cannot be won tomorrow.
Indeed, the struggle lasts forever! However, it is the vision that provides the spur to
struggle against things as they are, and for things that might be . . .
"Ultimately, only struggle determines outcome, and progress towards a more
meaningful community must begin with the will to resist every form of injustice. In
general terms, this means challenging all exploitation and defying the legitimacy of all
coercive authority. If anarchists have one article of unshakeable faith, it is that, once
the habit of deferring to politicians or ideologues is lost, and that of resistance to
domination and exploitation acquired, then ordinary people have a capacity to organise
every aspect of their lives in their own interests, anywhere and at any time, both freely
and fairly.
"Anarchists do not stand aside from popular struggle, nor do they attempt to dominate
it. They seek to contribute practically whatever they can, and also to assist within it the
highest possible levels of both individual self-development and of group solidarity. It is
possible to recognise anarchist ideas concerning voluntary relationships, egalitarian
participation in decision-making processes, mutual aid and a related critique of all forms
of domination in philosophical, social and revolutionary movements in all times and
places." [My Granny made me an Anarchist, pp. 162-3]
For more information on Anarchism check out these web sites:
A Infos - http://www.ainfos.ca/
Anarcha Feminist - http://www.geocities.com/Paris/2159/anrfem.html
Anarchism and Women's Liberation - http://flag.blackened.net/revolt/wsm/women.html
Anarchist History - http://flag.blackened.net/revolt/history.html
Anarchist Newswire - http://www.infoshop.org/
Anarchist People of Color - http://www.illegalvoices.org/apoc/
Anarcho Syndicalism - http://www.nucleus.com/~markv/aslinks.html
Black and Green Network - http://www.blackandgreen.org/
Crimethinc - http://www.crimethinc.com/
Daily Bleed Anarchist Encyclopedia -
http://recollectionbooks.com/bleed/gallery/galleryindex.htm
Green Anarchy - http://www.greenanarchy.org/
Daniel Guerin Perhaps the best
introductory book on anarchism.
Excellent both on the intellectual
substance of anarchism, and in
its actual practice, from the
Italian Factory Councils to
workers' self management in
Algeria. Includes an introduction
by Chomsky. Order this book
from AK-Press here!
Posted by Tall Paul on Monday,
May 16, 2005 at 8:19 PM
chance on getting flamed to no
end by suggesting a couple
books by Murray Bookchin.
Specifically:
-The Ecology of Freedom
-Post-Scarcity Anarchism
-The Murray Bookchin Reader
Murray is likely one of the most
controversial theorists of the
radical left in recent times.
Despite the fact that in the past
15 years he has become a bit
senile and a pissy old man - his
earlier work is sadly
under-recognized, and is some
of the most important and
influential work towards
contemporary anarchist / radical
/ ecological /left thought
You can find tons of great info
online regarding his work and
development on the ideas of
Social Ecology at
www.social-ecology.org - lots of
online articles, papers, debates
and more....
-Matt
Posted by Matt on Monday, May
16, 2005 at 9:40 PM
writers such as Peter Kropotkin, Mikhail Bakunin, & read up on the life of Buenaventura Durutti &
the Spanish Civil War. Hmm....and check up on August Spies & the May Day martyrs, as well
Sacco & Vanzetti, & Flores Magon.
p.s. Oh & its real J. hahaha....
Posted by the kaleidoscope peterson project on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 11:45 AM
informative. it gives you a straight to the point message as to what anarchism is, as a whole. it was
the first book I ever read on anarchism, and it stands out among many others that i have read.
also, "Quiet Rumors" is very good as well. its a collection of writings from an anarcha-feminist point
of view. its very inspiring.
Posted by Natalie Jean on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at 5:32 PM
of anarcho-feminist writers past and present with the likings of Voltairine DeCleyre, Emma
Goldman, Peggy Kornegger, Carol Ehrlich and even includes an interview with Bolivian street
activist Mujeres Creando. With no discresion, this book provides the indepth link between
anarchism and feminism with complete humor and genious and I found it very inspiring and
uplifting. Also perspectives on direct action, class war, organizing, anti-marriage and nuclear
familys, gender and autonomy to say the least. " WE CONSIDER ANARCHO-FEMINISM TO BE
THE ULTIMATE AND NECESSARY RADICAL STANCE AT THIS TIME IN WORLD HISTORY, FAR
MORE RADICAL THAN ANY FORM OF MARXISM. WE BELIEVE THAT A WOMEN'S
REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENT MUST NOT MIMIC, BUT DESTROY, ALL VESTIGES OF THE
MALE-DOMINATED POWER STRUCTURE, THE STATE ITSELF." -Black rose anarcho-feminist
Posted by cait A. on Friday, May 20, 2005 at 10:28 AM
already. I think it is very important. We are actually reading it in high school right now...finally
something useful is being taught in the school system!!!!
Posted by Jen N Juice on Friday, May 20, 2005 at 10:19 AM