To What Extent Are Anarchists United In Their Views On Human Nature? (24)

AGREE

Human nature is corrupted by the state

Individualist

Stirner – the state is a constraint that confuses us

Goldman – the state is a cold monster

Collectivist

Bakunin – all hierarchies are controlling and commanding and therefore should be rejected

Proudhon – the state has neither the right nor wisdom nor the virtue to govern

AGREE

Human nature should be seen optimistically (bakunin and kropotkin)

Collectivist

Bakunin - Humans are inherently social beings who thrive in cooperative and communal environments.

Kropotkin - Mutual aid – voluntary cooperation and support among individuals – was a natural tendency in both humans and animals

DISAGREE

Individualists believe that human nature is egotistical, whereas collectivists believe it is social and cooperative.

Stirner – you are your own moral universe, act out of self interest and cooperation is only allowed if the individual freely choses it, not imposed by law.

Collectivist

Kropotkin – humans are naturally sociable and inclined towards cooperation and mutual aid

DISAGREE

Individualists seek the end of the state so individuals can be free to express their true nature, whereas collectivists seek freedom from the state so humans’ natural cooperative core can flourish.

Individualist

Stirner the state controls people and prevents them from being their true selves and pursuing their true interests and desires.

Collectivist – society organised through communes based on cooperation and mutual aid

Kropotkin – wealth results from a collective effort. “All belongs to all”. – goods should be shared rather than individually owned. Cooperation is voluntary but seen as the societal norm

Proudhon – theory of mutualism, where individuals exchange goods through cooperation. “property is theft”