Anarchist Thinkers and Their Ideas

Max Stirner - Human Nature

Max Stirner - Human Nature

Pessimistic: The ego drives individuals to pursue self-interest. Altruism is only possible if it serves self-interest.

Max Stirner - State

Replace gradually by unions of egoism. The state and private property must be abolished for maximum freedom.

Max Stirner - Society

Ideologies suppress freedom. Individuals should develop their egos and challenge authority. Unions of egoism form to maximise self-interest.

Max Stirner - Economy

The accumulation and protection of property is the main economic motivation. No involvement of morals or laws. Collectivist societies lead to power imbalances.

Peter Kropotkin - Human Nature

Optimistic: Humans are naturally cooperative, living in social groups and engaging in mutual aid.

Peter Kropotkin - State

Overthrow the state, fearing the development of a new one. Preferred small, natural communities over a state.

Peter Kropotkin - Society

No contradiction between a close-knit society and individual liberty. Proposed natural communities based on mutual aid and self-sufficiency.

Peter Kropotkin - Economy

Capitalism must be replaced by a communist system with small, self-sufficient economic units. Inequality causes social tension and disorder.

Mikhail Bakunin - Human Nature

Humans are born with an impulse toward moral justice. Freedom is achieved by obeying natural laws voluntarily.

Mikhail Bakunin - State

Immediate removal of the state, rejecting a workers' state as it would become tyrannical. Advocated for federalism with voluntary communities.

Mikhail Bakunin - Society

Opposed any state, believing power corrupts. The Paris Commune was an example of economic equality and direct democracy.

Mikhail Bakunin - Economy

The capitalist market promotes inequality and should be replaced by free negotiation and exchange based on true value. Private property is a threat to freedom and social order.

Pierre-Joseph Proudhon - Human Nature

Humans are characterised by their productive abilities and creativity.

Pierre-Joseph Proudhon - State

Preferred peaceful abolition of the state, favouring decentralized cooperative communities of workers.

Pierre-Joseph Proudhon - Society

Advocated for mutualism and a federal system of communes. Believed in reconciling individualist and collectivist anarchism.

Pierre-Joseph Proudhon - Economy

"Property is theft," but supported possessions for managing production. Advocated for common ownership of means of production and a People's Bank.

Emma Goldman - Human Nature

Individual liberty is fundamental, and the desire for freedom is inherent in mankind.

Emma Goldman - State

Rejected political reform, viewing the state and capitalism as oppressive. Advocated for violent revolution.

Emma Goldman - Society

Championed women's emancipation, tolerance of homosexuality, and free love. Promoted "propaganda of the deed" to inspire anarchist actions.

Emma Goldman - Economy

Advocated for the abolition of capitalism without proposing an alternative. Criticised the state and capitalism as exploitative, including religion.