Max Stirner

Individual anarchist (1806 - 1856)

Human Nature

Pessimistic. The ego is the essence of every individual, entitling them to everything and driving them to pursue self-interest. Altruism and fellow feelings are possible if they serve self-interest.

State

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

Society

Ideologies suppress freedom; instead, individuals should develop their egos and challenge authority. Unions of egoism form to maximize self-interest.

Economy

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

Peter Kropotkin

Collective anarchist (anarcho-communist) (1842 - 1921)

Human Nature

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

State

Envisaged the overthrow of the state, fearing a new state replacing the old one. Disillusioned by Lenin's revolution.

Society

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

Economy

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

Mikhail Bakunin

Collective anarchist (anarcho-communist) (1814 - 1876)

Human Nature

Humans are born with an impulse toward moral justice, and understanding good and evil. Freedom is achieved by obeying natural laws voluntarily.

State

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

Society

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

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

Collective anarchist (anarcho-communist/libertarian socialist) (1809 - 1865)

Human Nature

Humans are characterised by their productive abilities and creativity.

State

Wanted peaceful abolition of the state, preferring decentralized cooperative communities of workers.

Society

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

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

Collective anarchist (anarcho-feminist; 'populist of the left') (1869 - 1940)

Human Nature

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

State

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

Society

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

Economy

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