Demanding the Impossible: A History of Anarchism
Peter Marshall
Top 10 Best Quotes
“The continued appeal of anarchism can probably be attributed to its enduring affinity with both the rational and emotional impulses lying deep within us. It is an attitude, a way of life as well as a social philosophy. It presents a telling analysis of existing institutions and practices, and at the same time offers the prospect of a radically transformed society.”
“With their concern for personal autonomy and individual freedom, anarchists more than any other socialists are aware of the inhumanity of both physical punishment and manipulative cure for anti-social members of the community. They look to reasoned argument and friendly treatment to deal with criminals and wish to respect their humanity and individuality.”
“Whatever its future success as a historical movement, anarchism will remain a fundamental part of human experience, for the drive for freedom is one of our deepest needs and the vision of a free society is one of our oldest dreams. Neither can ever be fully repressed; both will outlive all rulers and their States.”
“Left to themselves, humans have always managed their own affairs creatively and well. Indeed, for most of human evolution and history people have lived peaceful, co-operative lives without rulers, leaders, politicians, soldiers, policemen and taxmen.”
“Just as man seeks justice in equality, society seeks order in anarchy.’3”
“Fear of the people is the sickness of all those who belong to authority; the people, for those in power, are the enemy.’33”
“Every State is a despotism, be the despot one or many. MAX STIRNER”
“manifesto: The more laws and restrictions there are, The poorer people become.”
“To be governed is to be watched over, inspected, spied on, directed, legislated, regimented, closed in, indoctrinated, preached at, controlled, assessed, evaluated, censored, commanded; all by creatures that have neither the right, nor wisdom, nor virtue”
“Society, which will reorganise production on the basis of a free and equal association of the producers, will put the whole machinery of the state where it will then belong: into the museum of antiquities, by the side of the spinning-wheel and the bronze axe.37”
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Book Keywords:
anarchism, peace, philosphy, autonomy, transformation, individuality, freedom, philosophy, dreams, history, society, human-experience, way-of-life, individual-freedom, human-history
