Mutual Aid · Chapter
VII: Mutual Aid Amongst Ourselves explained
This chapter examines the persistence of mutual aid institutions in modern society, despite centuries of state suppression.
What happens
This chapter examines the persistence of mutual aid institutions in modern society, despite centuries of state suppression. Kropotkin argues that the mutual aid tendency, deeply rooted in human evolution, survives in village communities, guilds, and other communal forms. He traces the historical struggle of village communities against state encroachment in France, Germany, Switzerland, and Russia, and highlights contemporary examples of communal cooperation in agriculture and village life, particularly in Russia, where the village community (mir) facilitates improvements and mutual support.
Themes in this chapter
Resilience of Mutual Aid Institutions
The chapter highlights how village communities and mutual aid practices have survived centuries of state suppression and continue to play a vital role in modern society.
State vs. Communal Organization
Kropotkin contrasts the state's systematic destruction of communal institutions with the enduring grassroots mutual aid among peasants and townspeople.
Historical Development of Social Institutions
The chapter traces the evolution of mutual aid from medieval guilds and village communities to modern forms, emphasizing continuity despite state interference.
Characters to notice
- Albert Babeau
Cited for his research on French village folkmotes persisting until 1787.
- Leo Tolstoy
Referenced for his description of communal work in Russian villages.
- Nicholas I
Mentioned in the context of Crown officials compelling peasants to introduce communal culture under his rule.
Key passages
“The mutual-aid tendency in man has so remote an origin, and is so deeply interwoven with all the past evolution of the human race, that it has been maintained by mankind up to the present time, notwithstanding all vicissitudes of history.”
The human inclination toward mutual aid is ancient and fundamental, persisting through all historical upheavals.
Opening statement establishing the enduring nature of mutual aid.
“The village communities were bereft of their folkmotes, their courts and independent administration; their lands were confiscated. The guilds were spoliated of their possessions and liberties, and placed under the control, the fancy, and the bribery of the State's official.”
States systematically stripped village communities and guilds of their autonomy, lands, and rights, subjugating them to state control and corruption.
Describes the state's suppression of communal institutions.
“In our mutual relations every one of us has his moments of revolt against the fashionable individualistic creed of the day, and actions in which men are guided by their mutual aid inclinations constitute so great a part of our daily intercourse that if a stop to such actions could be put all further ethical progress would be stopped at once.”
Despite the prevailing ideology of individualism, mutual aid actions are so integral to daily life that halting them would end all moral advancement.
Highlights the ongoing importance of mutual aid in modern society.