The number of anarchists is growing. In "Golden Age," Crispin Sartwell says "The second golden age of American anarchism is upon us." A study of anarchist philosophy offers ideas and images in addition to the smashed glass of coffee shops. A bedrock of anarchist philosophy is individuals are responsible for their actions. Without a ruling hierarchy, there can be order and stability.
The American Revolution was called Anarchy
In 1776, when the American colonists announced the Declaration of Independence, the British monarchy considered the document to be treason and its supporters lawless traitors. The idea of natural rights, of freedom and liberty for all, upset the hierarchy and the absolute power that the monarch claimed came from God.
Thomas Paine's Common Sense and Rights of ManThomas Paine (1737-1809) argued in his 1776 pamphlet, Common Sense that the king was nothing more than human, like all humans descended from Adam and Eve, and therefore liable to err.
Paine reversed the saying "The King is Law," and instead proclaimed that "The Law is King," meaning that the king must follow laws. Paine despised monarchy, saying, "It was the most prosperous invention the Devil ever set on foot for the promotion of idolatry."
When Paine later wrote the Rights of Man, it was critiqued by British statesman Edmund Burke (1729-1794) who wrote, "They made and recorded a sort of institute and digest of anarchy, called the Rights of Man." (On the Army Estimates, Vol. iii, p. 221).
Thomas Jefferson's Thoughts on Anarchy
According to Anarchists in Modern History many anarchists share Jefferson's vision of an agrarian society, a sustainable environment, and freedom from government oppression. Jefferson himself claimed not to be anarchist. Nevertheless, his name is much associated with anarchist principles.
"When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty." These words by Thomas Jefferson were quoted in the film V for Vendetta. The film explores the theme of anarchy being a means to end oppression and restore freedom for all.
Anarchy is Order
French printer, politician, and philosopher Pierre-Joseph Proudhon (1809-1865) summed up his views on anarchy in his book The Confessions of a Revolutionary. According to Proudhon, "Anarchy is Order." Proudhon's phrase is often credited with today's anarchist symbol, the circle enclosing the A. The "circle A" can symbolize that order encircles anarchy.
Anarchy, Mother of Stability, Mother of Social Order
Mikhail Bakunim and Peter Kropotkin were Russian philosophers credited with the slogan, "Anarkhiya Mat Poryadka," translated as "Anarchy - Mother Of Stability" or "Anarchy - Mother of Social Order." According to information posted on FreedomBin.com, Bakunim and Kropotkin "advocated a constructive anarchism, a form of radical democracy, similar to what's been called 'Jeffersonian Democracy' in the USA, where power flows from the bottom up."
Infoshop
In 1998, Infoshop was started by Chuck Munson, previously with the University of Maryland at College Park. The anarchist website contains information on the history and philosophy of anarchy, as well as commentary and notices regarding current and direct action events of the contemporary anarchist movement.
Categorizing what anarchists stand for is tricky, and similar to trying to herd cats. Yet, there seems a common thread of respecting human rights and taking responsibility for one's actions. The true source of chaos is seen in authoritarian government.
References
"Basics of Anarchism." Infoshop.org
FreedomBin.com
Paine, Thomas. Common Sense.
Sartwell, Crispin. "Golden Age."
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