Full Idea
Sincere anarchists, discerning, as through a mist, the principle of the union of opposites, thought that evil could be destroyed by giving power to the oppressed. An impossible dream
Gist of Idea
Anarchists thought (hopelessly) that empowering the oppressed would end evil
Source
Simone Weil (Gravity and Grace [1942], 'Contradiction')
Book Reference
Weil,Simone: 'Gravity and Grace', ed/tr. Crawford/De Ruhr [Routledge 1952], p.101
A Reaction
Weil joined the anarchists in Spain in 1936. Orwell did too, and wrote 'Animal Farm'. So who should we give power to? Showbiz celebrities and poisonous haters? Weil thinks 'destroying evil' is an absurd aim. Do anarchists want to 'empower' anyone?