# XVI: Why We Are Revolutionists explained — Moribund Society and Anarchy

> Chapter companion for Moribund Society and Anarchy by Jean Grave.

## What happens

The chapter argues that social revolution is inevitable and necessary, rejecting gradual reform in favor of direct action. It uses natural metaphors (mountains crumbling, seas invading) to illustrate that evolution leads to sudden ruptures when obstacles are met. The author defends violence as a legitimate means to overthrow authority and property, asserting that ideas inevitably lead to revolt and that individual acts of rebellion are essential to dismantle the oppressive social order.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Revolution

Central theme: revolution is inevitable and necessary, likened to natural cataclysms that clear the way for progress.

### Propaganda by Deed

Advocates for acts of revolt as 'ax-strokes' against the social edifice, emphasizing action over persuasion.

### Critique of Reformism

Rejects step-by-step amelioration and persuasion, arguing that obstacles necessitate rupture.

### Negation of Authority

Rejects all forms of authority, property, and institutions that defend exploitation.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

Presents the revolutionary argument, using 'we' and 'our' to speak for the anarchist perspective.

### The Anarchists

Described as coordinators of efforts and synthesizers of aspirations, disdainful of no contribution, and inevitably driven to action by circumstances.

### Their Masters

Implied as the exploiting class that maintains power through army, police, and magistrates.

## Key lines

> Everything in nature is transformed by evolution; why, then, not proceed in the same way in sociology instead of wishing for sudden ruptures?

Critics argue that social change should be gradual like natural evolution, not violent revolution.

_The author counters that evolution meets obstacles and causes ruptures when progress is blocked._

> The more intense the struggle, the shorter; and in consequence the more lives, else devoted to poverty, sickness, consumption, and degeneracy, will be spared.

A shorter, more intense struggle saves more lives than prolonged suffering under the current system.

_Justifies revolutionary violence as ultimately sparing lives from the 'social Minotaur'._

> It is not by resignation or by hope that one changes his condition, but by action; now the best way to act is to get rid of the obstacles trammeling your route.

Change comes through direct action, not passive hope; removing barriers is the most effective method.

_Rejects Christian resignation and reformist patience in favor of active revolt._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/moribund_society_and_anarchy_se/chapters/xvi-why-we-are-revolutionists
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/moribund_society_and_anarchy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/moribund_society_and_anarchy_se/chapters