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Single Idea 24400

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 2. Anarchism]

Full Idea

Anarchists think almost all men are sociable, and similar, and capable of living their own lives. …If all men are so bad that they need to be ruled by others, anarchists ask, how can any men be good enough to rule others?

Gist of Idea

People are sociable and self-sufficient; if that is not so, why allow men to rule others?

Source

Nicolas Walter (About Anarchism [1969], p.01)

A Reaction

There seems to be an important inconsistency in anarchism, which is huge optimism about ordinary people, and deep pessimism about people when they acquire power. We're lovely ruling ourselves, but horrible when ruling others.

Book Reference

Walter,Nicolas: 'About Anarchism' [Freedom Press 1977], p.1