"Anarchists prepare for social revolution and use every means- speech, writing, or deed, whichever is more to the point - to accelerate revolutionary development"
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Anarchists, as described by Johann Most, do not simply wait for change but actively engage in preparing for a transformative upheaval of society, which he calls a "social revolution". This preparation is multifaceted, involving both intellectual and practical methods aimed at dismantling existing power structures and inspiring collective action. Most emphasizes the use of "every means" available, whether speech, writing, or action ("deed"), to instigate and expedite the revolutionary process. This approach underscores a pragmatic philosophy within anarchist thought: theory and practice are intertwined, and the basis for action is determined by what will most effectively spur revolutionary sentiment and organization in a given context.
Speech allows for the persuasion and mobilization of people, providing a platform for the clarification and dissemination of anarchist ideas. Writing, similarly, offers a permanent and far-reaching method for spreading these doctrines, challenging accepted norms, and critiquing the status quo. However, Most does not stop with mere communication; he includes “deed,” implying that direct action, ranging from public demonstrations to, potentially, acts of insurrection, carries a unique capacity to catalyze change. For anarchists like Most, the moral legitimacy of these acts stems from their revolutionary purpose and the oppressive circumstances that necessitate them.
By advocating the use of whichever method is “more to the point,” Most delineates a results-oriented mindset. The focus is not on particular orthodoxies or methods but on the effectiveness of the revolutionary endeavor. Flexibility and adaptability are paramount, as are a relentless drive toward the dismantling of oppressive systems and building new structures rooted in freedom and equality. This perspective views revolution not as a singular event but as a process accelerated by strategic intervention. Through their commitment to both propagate and enact change, anarchists embody the dynamic interplay of thought and action in service of creating a radically different society.
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