# Anarchism and Its Practicability explained — Moribund Society and Anarchy

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

## What happens

The chapter addresses the common objection that anarchist ideas are theoretically sound but not practically realizable. It argues that such objections come from opponents, indifferentists, and false allies who use the pretext of practicality to delay change. The text insists that conviction must lead to action, drawing on Guyau's idea that incomplete thought results from inaction. It acknowledges that anarchist principles are not immediately realizable but asserts that they will become so through the energy and propaganda of those who believe. The chapter rejects reformism as illusory and emphasizes that revolution is inevitable, urging workers to prepare for struggle rather than seek compromises.

## Themes in this chapter

### Individualism and Solidarity

The chapter emphasizes that true freedom requires not trampling the liberty of others, and that solidarity among workers is essential for revolution.

### Critique of Reformism

The text explicitly rejects reformist projects as illusory and deceptive, arguing that only direct revolutionary action can bring change.

### Social Revolution

The chapter argues that revolution is inevitable due to economic crises and that workers must prepare for it rather than seek gradual reforms.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator presents the anarchist perspective, arguing against objections to practicability and urging action based on conviction.

### The Workman

Referenced as the worker who can hope for no improvement under the current system and is urged to revolt.

### Their Masters

Implied as the owning class that exploits workers and refuses to give up anything.

### The Anarchists

The group whose ideas are defended as practical through conviction and propaganda.

### M. G. Ville

Cited as the author of 'Outlines of a Morality Without Authority or Duty,' providing the idea that incomplete thought results from inaction.

## Key lines

> Your ideas are all right in theory, but they are not practicable; men need some tangible power to govern them and force them to respect the social contract.

Critics claim anarchist theories are sound but unworkable because people require external authority to maintain social order.

_Opening objection that the chapter systematically refutes._

> He who does not act as he thinks, thinks incompletely.

A person who fails to act on their beliefs does not fully understand or hold those beliefs.

_Key philosophical principle from Guyau used to justify active propaganda._

> We take the facts as they are, analyze and set them forth thus:—A class which owns all and is unwilling to give up anything on the one side; on the other side a class which produces all, possesses nothing, and has no other alternative than a cowardly cringing to its exploiters... or else to revolt.

The reality is a stark class divide: the owning class holds everything and refuses to share, while the working class, which produces everything, owns nothing and must choose between submission or revolution.

_Summary of the class analysis that underpins the call to revolution._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/moribund_society_and_anarchy_se/chapters/xxii-anarchism-and-its-practicability
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/moribund_society_and_anarchy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/moribund_society_and_anarchy_se/chapters