Thinking about the state
I think a lot of people want a state. I’ve come to this conclusion by discussing with and observing my fellow man.
Even if one can make the point and get consensus that the state taxes too much, kills too much, limits freedom, most people shrug their shoulders and say, “what do we do”?
The answer is obvious. Secede from the state. Work towards a situation where you can remove the state’s hold on you, where you can be free.
They know this. By asking “what do we do?”, they’re saying, “awwww gee, that sure seems like a lot of work.”
And so, what can one do with people who view freedom as too expensive, too much effort? Not very much. They value freedom less than convenience, and any attempts of a market anarchist to convince himself otherwise (“if I could only explain it better, if they could only understand the urgency to be free”) are fantasy.
Many people are happy being in a system provided it does not confront them directly. Unfortunately, cattle can be herded because the mindset of independence and critical analysis has been subverted for generations. Trust in government. Trust in democracy. Keep your eyes down. Don’t question law, don’t question any edict or fiat. Do what you are told. Go where you are told. Don’t think, trust.
I think free minded people have to stop thinking in terms of setting everyone free (which is liberation philosophy not free market anarchism) and concentrate on setting themselves free. The desire to prove the nobility and benefits of anarchism risks becoming the fanatical embrace of a crusade if not carefully watched. Enthusiasm can be healthy until it starts to become an end, rather than a means.
Related Blogs
- Blogs Related to anarchism
- Events – Rudolf Rocker and East End anarchism
- Chomsky’s Augustinian Anarchism
