Kropotkin challenges the notion that competition drives evolution, emphasizing the critical role of cooperation in both nature and human societies. Through an exploration of various examples, including animals and historical communities, he illustrates how mutual aid has been essential for survival and development. This edition features Kropotkin's comprehensive notes, conveniently placed as footnotes for easy reference, enhancing the reader's understanding of his arguments.
This is a new translation from the French original by Iain McKay except for a few chapters previously translated by Nicolas Walter. It includes all the original 1885 text along with the preface to the 1904 Italian as well as the preface and afterward to the 1919 Russian editions. It also includes many articles on the labour movement written by Kropotkin for Le Revolte which show how he envisioned getting from criticism to a social revolution, and a comprehensive glossary and an introduction by Iain McKay. This is the definitive edition of an anarchist classic.
Exploring the thoughts of Peter Kropotkin, this anthology offers a compelling perspective on communist society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The collection presents two significant works that delve into Kropotkin's ideas, encouraging readers to reflect on his critiques and visions for social organization. Through his unique lens, the anthology invites a deeper understanding of historical and ideological contexts, highlighting Kropotkin's influence on anarchist theory and communal living.
Kropotkin critiques capitalism and advocates for anarcho-communism as a means to achieve fairness and equity in society. He argues that the current system is detrimental and presents a vision of an alternative where resources are shared and managed collectively. Through his analysis, he explores the potential for a more just society that prioritizes communal well-being over individual profit.
Exploring the inevitability of Socialism, this pamphlet by renowned anarchist philosopher Peter Kropotkin delves into the role of anarchism in the pursuit of social justice. It presents a compelling argument for the integration of anarchist principles within the broader struggle for a fairer society, making it a significant work in radical literature.
The biography explores the life of Peter Alexeyevich Kropotkin, a prominent figure in the anarchist movement and a communist advocate. Known as the "anarchist prince," Kropotkin's ideals and philosophies are examined, alongside his unique perspective on society and politics. His life, described by Oscar Wilde as "perfect," reflects his deep commitment to social justice and revolutionary thought, making him a significant historical figure in the context of Russian and global anarchism.
Important writings by the leading theorist of anarchism, including the brief but moving "Spirit of Revolt," "Law and Authority," an argument for social control through custom and education, and other documents. An invaluable addition to the libraries of instructors, students, and anyone interested in history, government, and anarchist thought.
In this cornerstone of modern liberal social theory, Peter Kropotkin states that the most effective human and animal communities are essentially cooperative, rather than competitive. Kropotkin based this classic on his observations of natural phenomena and history, forming a work of stunning and well-reasoned scholarship. Essential to the understanding of human evolution as well as social organization, it offers a powerful counterpoint to the tenets of Social Darwinism. It also cites persuasive evidence of human nature's innate compatibility with anarchist society. "Kropotkin's basic argument is correct," noted evolutionary biologist Stephen Jay Gould. "Struggle does occur in many modes, and some lead to cooperation among members of a species as the best pathway to advantage for individuals." Anthropologist Ashley Montagu declared that "Mutual Aid will never be any more out of date than will the Declaration of Independence. New facts may increasingly become available, but we can already see that they will serve largely to support Kropotkin's conclusion that 'in the ethical progress of man, mutual support—not mutual struggle—has had the leading part.'" Physician and author Alex Comfort asserted that "Kropotkin profoundly influenced human biology by his theory of Mutual Aid. . . . He was one of the first systematic students of animal communities, and may be regarded as the founder of modern social ecology."
Kropotkin's Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution represents one of the major contributions to twentieth-century political thought. A classic, though often misunderstood text of anarchist thinking, the book offers an exciting and viable alternative to our current political models. Kropotkin's idea of mutual aid is the radical practice of caring for each other while actively working to change the world. This new and authoritative edition of Kropotkin's important and unique contribution to the history of socialist ideas and anarchist ideology includes a critically informed afterword by Ruth Kinna that elucidates the book's relevance for today.
