Most political philosophies have an advocacy principle built into them. In other words, Democrats, Republicans or other political parties, all have a goal of gaining converts and pushing a specific agenda to happen.
Anarchism is different because it is not a political philosophy, it is an ethical philosophy, and thus to be an anarchist you do not need to promote or advocate for anarchism.
To be an anarchist, you simply need to believe that there should be no masters and slaves in this world, and that there should be no relationship where person rules over another. It is a moral philosophy that holds that violence is always wrong, no matter who commits the act, even if they claim to be in a position of so-called “authority.”
Anarchists believe that all humans should be held to the same moral standard, instead of allowing people to shield themselves behind legal proxies like governments and government-protected corporations.
With that being said, not all anarchists advocate for anarchism. Not all anarchist are activists, and not all anarchists even realize that they are anarchists. Some of these people don’t think that anarchism is possible or plausible, but when questioned they will still agree with the moral philosophy.
If this is how you feel, you are technically still an anarchist, just a pessimistic one not interested in pushing a particular agenda. Most anarchists are driven to participate in advocacy when they are turned on to the philosophy, but it is not a requirement, there are plenty of silent and non-active anarchists.
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John Vibes is an author and researcher who organizes a number of large events including the Free Your Mind Conference. He also has a publishing company where he offers a censorship free platform for both fiction and non-fiction writers. You can contact him and stay connected to his work at his Facebook page. John is currently battling cancer naturally, without any chemo or radiation, and will be working to help others through his experience, if you wish to contribute to his treatments please donate here.
Great post John. I have been an anarchist for a long time, I just didn't know that was the name for it until a couple of years ago. Thank you mainstream media for using the word wrong!
I am by no means a "whale" in the movement, I am very much a "minnow". However, I hold compassion, voluntaryism, and freedom for all as guiding principles in my life. My advocacy is based more in the example I try to set in the life I live and provide for my family.
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Would you say violence in self defense is morally permissible? Let me give an example, I am being kidnapped by a man with a baseball bat. So when the opportunity arises I grab the baseball bat from the assailant and beat my way to freedom.
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Absolutely. It's the initiation of violence in the absence of it which is impermissible/unacceptable. It all boils down to consent. And when you violate the consent of another, you essentially negate the application of the principle to yourself. In other words, you forfeit consent when you violate another's. In this way, violence in self-defense (or defense of others) is acceptable.
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I would say yes, as long as the force used in self defense is equal to the amount necessary to protect yourself. Anything more would be excessive.
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you rock john
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Beautiful post John! Just upvoted. Please upvote my recent post. Cheers!
https://steemit.com/improve/@danilo-cuellar/how-to-improve-the-world
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Thank you @johnvibes for sharing this great thinking here! I am anarchist, but I didn't notice or understand that for a long time.
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