# XXI: What Then? explained — Moribund Society and Anarchy

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

## What happens

The chapter addresses opponents' fears about the aftermath of revolution, arguing that abolishing authority and property will lead to full liberty, social harmony, and the satisfaction of all needs. It dismisses concerns about chaos or regression, insisting that revolution is inevitable and that the masses must destroy institutions, not individuals, to prevent their reconstruction.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Revolution

The chapter centers on the necessity and inevitability of revolution to overthrow existing institutions and achieve liberty.

### Individualism and Solidarity

Argues that after revolution, society will be based on solidarity rather than antagonism, allowing full individual development.

### Critique of Private Property

Implicitly criticizes property as a source of poverty and conflict, advocating its abolition to enable harmony.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

Presents the anarchist perspective, responding to opponents' questions and defending the revolutionary vision.

### The Anarchists

Referenced as the group whose duty is to carry the masses along during the revolution and to oppose sentimentality.

### Their Masters

Implied as the governing classes who reject reforms and oppose revolution.

## Key lines

> Afterwards, we reply, there will be full liberty for individuals, the possibility for all to satisfy their physical, moral, and intellectual needs.

After the revolution, everyone will have complete freedom to meet their material, ethical, and intellectual desires.

_Summarizes the anarchist vision of post-revolutionary society._

> The masses never go too far; it is only the leaders who think so, because they shrink from moral or practical responsibility.

The people do not overstep; only leaders believe so because they avoid accountability.

_Defends the masses against accusations of excessive violence._

> We have nothing to lose and everything to gain by a change.

We stand to gain everything and lose nothing through revolution.

_Expresses the workers' stake in overthrowing the current system._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/moribund_society_and_anarchy_se/chapters/xxi-what-then
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/moribund_society_and_anarchy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/moribund_society_and_anarchy_se/chapters