Mikhaïl Bakounine
Russian revolutionary, theorist of anarchism: he rejects all imposed authority but accepts that which one freely chooses and can check.
Life
Russian revolutionary and thinker, a founding figure of anarchism, who died in exile in Switzerland. He argues that the idea of God and that of the State keep human beings in submission, and that everyone's freedom requires refusing any master, divine or human. His best-known text on religion, God and the State, appeared after his death.
Main works
Argues that if God existed man would be a slave, and criticises the authority of Church and State.
Opposes the free organisation of society to state power.
In his own words
« I reverse the phrase of Voltaire, and say that, if God existed, it would be necessary to abolish him. »
Positions
click a row to see the evidenceGod is a human invention, and the idea of God is the enemy of human freedom.
Bakunin, God and the State (written 1871, published 1882)
Real knowledge comes from observation and science, not from revelation or pure speculation.
Bakunin, God and the State (written 1871, published 1882)
Thought and mind are products of matter, of the organized body.
Bakunin, God and the State (written 1871, published 1882)
Natural laws bind us, but we are free by knowing them and by living with others who are free.
Bakunin, God and the State (written 1871, published 1882)
Humans are by nature social animals who become fully human and free through society and education.
Bakunin, God and the State (written 1871, published 1882)