The Impossibilities of Anarchism
The Impossibilities of Anarchism is a book written by George Bernard Shaw that explores the concept of anarchism and its potential limitations. The author argues that while anarchist ideals may be admirable, they are ultimately unrealistic in practice due to human nature and societal structures. He suggests that a more practical approach would involve working within existing systems to create change rather than attempting to overthrow them entirely.
By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1893 · Genre: Political Philosophy, Essay, Non-fiction · 5 chapters · 14,322 words
First lines
Some years ago, as the practical policy of the Socialist party in England began to shape itself more and more definitely into the program of Social-Democracy, it became apparent that we could not progress without the gravest violations of principles of all sorts. In particular, the democratic side of the program was found to be incompatible with the sacred principle of the Autonomy of the Individual. It also involved a recognition of the State, an institution altogether repugnant to the principle of Freedom. Worse than that, it involved compromise at every step; and principles, as Mr. John Morley once eloquently showed, must not be compromised. The result was that many of us fell to quarrelling; refused to associate with one another; denounced each other as trimmers or Impossibilists, according to our side in the controversy; and finally succeeded in creating a considerable stock of ill-feeling.
What this Textopian page supports
The Impossibilities of Anarchism is listed on Textopian as an essay by George Bernard Shaw, dated 1893 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: George Bernard Shaw
- Date: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Political Philosophy, Essay, Non-fiction, Social Criticism, Literary Criticism
- Length: 14,322 words
- Structure: 5 chapters, 107 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Impossibilities of Anarchism by George Bernard Shaw
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Impossibilities of Anarchism?
- How does this essay by George Bernard Shaw fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Political Philosophy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Anarchy by Errico Malatesta
- Liberty And Equality by George Bernard Shaw
- The Church Of The Servile State by G. K. Chesterton
- The Mask Of Socialism by G. K. Chesterton
- Anarchists Have Forgotten Their Principles by Errico Malatesta
- Democracy by George Bernard Shaw
Genres
- Political Philosophy — The book critically examines the principles and practicalities of anarchism, focusing on political theory and philosophy.
- Essay — The work is structured as an essay, presenting arguments and critiques in a discursive format.
- Non-fiction — The content is factual and analytical, dealing with real-world political ideologies.
- Social Criticism — The book critiques societal structures and the feasibility of anarchism within them.
Tags
anarchism · political theory · philosophy · socialism · liberty · freedom · government · authority · individualism · collectivism · utopia · revolution
Contents
- Anarchists and Socialists
- Individualist Anarchism
- Communist Anarchism
- Democracy
- The Anarchist Spirit