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suvic's reviews
126 reviews
On Authority by Friedrich Engels
3.0
★★★✮☆ (3.5 stars)
here, engels provides several compelling perspectives regarding anarchism… at its most extreme, that is. it is an important distinction to make, for he appears to misunderstand its fundamental aims at many points throughout the essay.
simply put, a great majority of anarchists do not merely assume that all authority is inherently evil - rather, they argue that it should be produced and enacted in a fair and democratic way. any of engels’ arguments as to otherwise are a vast oversimplification of anarchism and the many valid criticisms it has to offer. in this sense, he too only “serves the reaction.”
indeed, there are inconsistencies and conflicts of idea throughout most schools of thought. to paint them all in one broad stroke would be a serious mistake.
altogether, still an enlightening read with some interesting ideas.
here, engels provides several compelling perspectives regarding anarchism… at its most extreme, that is. it is an important distinction to make, for he appears to misunderstand its fundamental aims at many points throughout the essay.
simply put, a great majority of anarchists do not merely assume that all authority is inherently evil - rather, they argue that it should be produced and enacted in a fair and democratic way. any of engels’ arguments as to otherwise are a vast oversimplification of anarchism and the many valid criticisms it has to offer. in this sense, he too only “serves the reaction.”
indeed, there are inconsistencies and conflicts of idea throughout most schools of thought. to paint them all in one broad stroke would be a serious mistake.
altogether, still an enlightening read with some interesting ideas.