The People-the toilers of the world, the producers-comprise, to me, the
universe. They alone count. The rest are parasites, who have no right to
exist. But to the People belongs the earth-by right, if not in fact. To
make it so in fact, all means are justifiable; nay, advisable, even to
the point of taking life. The question of moral right in such matters
often agitated the revolutionary circles I used to frequent. I had
always taken the extreme view. The more radical the treatment, I held,
the quicker the cure. Society is a patient; sick constitutionally and
functionally. Surgical treatment is often imperative. The removal of a
tyrant is not merely justifiable; it is the highest duty of every true
revolutionist. Human life is, indeed, sacred and inviolate. But the
killing of a tyrant, of an enemy of the People, is in no way to be
considered as the taking of a life. A revolutionist would rather perish a
thousand times than be guilty of what is ordinarily called murder. In
truth, murder and Attentat' are to me opposite terms. To remove a tyrant
is an act of liberation, the giving of life and opportunity to an
oppressed people. True, the Cause often calls upon the revolutionist to
commit an unpleasant act; but it is the test of a true
revolutionist-nay, more, his pride-to sacrifice all merely human feeling
at the call of the People's Cause. If the latter demand his life, so
much the better.
http://dwardmac.pitzer.edu/Anarchist_Archives/bright/berkman/prison/toc.html
Showing posts with label Berkman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Berkman. Show all posts
10.7.12
15.5.09
Berkman said...
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Alexander Berkman said: I consider anarchism the most rational and practical conception of a social life in freedom and harmony. I am convinced that its realization is a certainty in the course of human development.The time of that realization will depend on two factors: first, on how soon existing conditions will grow spiritually and physically unbearable to considerable portions of mankind, particularly to the laboring classes; and, secondly, on the degree in which Anarchist views will become understood and accepted.
Our social institutions are founded on certain ideas; as long as the latter are generally believed, the institutions built on them are safe. Government remains strong because people think political authority and legal compulsion necessary. Capitalism will continue as long as such an economic system is considered adequate and just. The weakening of the ideas which support the evil and oppressive present-day conditions means the ultimate breakdown of government and capitalism. Progress consists in abolishing what man has outlived and substituting in its place a more suitable environment.
Our social institutions are founded on certain ideas; as long as the latter are generally believed, the institutions built on them are safe. Government remains strong because people think political authority and legal compulsion necessary. Capitalism will continue as long as such an economic system is considered adequate and just. The weakening of the ideas which support the evil and oppressive present-day conditions means the ultimate breakdown of government and capitalism. Progress consists in abolishing what man has outlived and substituting in its place a more suitable environment.
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