Reading the Anarchism Paradigm

When we talk or hear the word "anarchism", maybe what comes to our mind is violence, chaos, or disorder. But, is that true?

In the book ABC Anarchism, by Alexander Berkman, it is explained that anarchism is the most rational and practical conception of social life with freedom and harmony. Alexander Berkman believes that anarchism is the best and greatest thing that humans have ever thought of, the one thing that gives freedom and prosperity.

Indeed, before reading this book, my paradigm always assumed that anarchism is a matter of chaos, disorder, and is always synonymous with violence. But having read and understanding the intent and purpose of the anarchist book is not that. Anarchism is a condition of society in which all men and women are free, and also all enjoy equality and benefit from an orderly and reasonable life.

In this book, there are fourteen chapters, each of which has a relationship with the discussion from the beginning. Berkman wrote this book based on his personal experience. His original work was first published in America in 1929, by Vanguard Press in New York, under the title What is Communist Anarchism? Meanwhile, the book ABC Anarchism (The ABC Anarchism) was first published in England in May 1942, by Freedom Press.

Anarchism Is Not Violence

Most people still have a misconception about anarchism. Some people talk about anarchism but know nothing about its conception. Berkman thinks that many Socialists and Bolsheviks are saying the wrong thing about what anarchism is. They know it well, but often lie, and think that anarchism is still disorder and chaos.

The professors of socialism "Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels" have taught that anarchism will come from socialism. Marx and Engels said that first of all there must be a spirit of socialism, after socialism, there will be anarchism. Anarchism is a freer and more beautiful condition for society to live in than socialism.

In a language dictionary, Anarchism is an ideology that opposes every power of the state, a political theory that does not like the existence of government and laws. This means that anarchism is an ideology that does not like the existence of an order or a structure in a region (state) in which the structure rules in it. Namely the government, or the authorities that hinder freedom.

If the paradigm always thinks that anarchism is a concept of violence, it will be misleading. Even though it is further understood, the ABC Anarchism book considers violence is not a concept of anarchism. Even then, there is violence when there is disorder or chaos that can usually be done by the ruling authorities.

In this context too, is it only an anarchist who commits an act of violence? Hasn't a democrat, a monarchy or an oligarch ever committed "violence"? Aren't they all the same (have been violent)?

The timing of anarchism or manifestation of anarchism depends on two factors: first, the speed with which the growing conditions become physically and spiritually unbearable for most of humanity, especially the workers. Second, from the level of understanding and acceptance of the anarchist view itself.

In this 254-page book, Berkman explains that anarchism is not unified, not robbery and murder, not war and not throwing bombs. However, (again I emphasize) means that we must be free. Free, that no one may enslave, be an employer, or rob you, or even force us.

In short, anarchism means all enjoying equality and the benefits of an orderly and sensible life. The teachings of anarchism are teachings about peace and no colonialism, where there is a holy life without slavery or social class.

When reading this book, readers are advised to read or repeat it once or many times. Because in it some several sentences or terms are difficult for a lay reader to digest. However, when we understand the purpose and purpose of this book, immediately reflect for a moment on what is the purpose of this anarchism.

When the reader understands, a question suddenly arises: will a revolution occur?