Graham R (Ed.) - Anarchism - A Documentary History of Libertarian Ideas Volume One - From Anarchy to Anarchism (300 CE to 1939)

54/ ANARCHISM
their misrepresentations, warmed it in the hothouse of their hatred, supported it by
their stupid opposition. Today, thanks to them, it has borne the anti-governmental
idea, the idea of Labour, the idea of Contract, which is growing, mounting, seizing
with its tendrils the workingmen's societies, and soon, like the grain of mustard seed
of the Gospel, it will form a great tree, with branches which cover the earth.
The sovereignty of Reason having been substituted for that of Revelation,
The notion of Contract succeeding that of Government,
Historic evolution leading Humanity inevitably to a new system,
Economic criticism havi ng shown that political ins titutions must be lost in industrial
organization,
We may conclude without fear that the revolutionary formula can not be Direct Legislalioll,
nor Direct Governmellt, nor Simplified Govern11lCllt, that it is NO GOVERNMENT.
Neither monarchy, nor aristocracy, nor even democracy itself, in so far as it may imply
any government at all, even though acting in the name of the people, and calling itself
the people. No authority, no government, not even popular, that is the Revolution.
Rousseau teaches in unmistakable terms, that in a government really democratic
and free the citizen, in obeying the law, obeys only his own will. But the law has
been made without my participation, despite my absolute disapproval, despite the
injury which it inflicts upon me. The State does not bargain with me: it gives me nothing
in exchange: it simply practices extortion upon me. Where then is the bond of
conscience, reason , passion or interest which binds me
But what do I say Laws for one who thinks for himself, and who ought to answer
only for his own actions; laws for one who wants to be free, and feels himself
worthy of liberty I am ready to bargain, but I want no laws. I recognize none of them:
I protest against every order which it may please some power, from pretended necessity,
to impose upon my free will. Laws! We know what they are, and what they are
worth! Spider webs for the rich and powerful, steel chains for the weak and poor,
fishing nets in the hands of the Government...
With suffrage, or the universal vote, it is evident that the law is neither direct
nor personal, any more than collective. The law of the majority is not my law, it is the
law of force; hence the government based upon it is not my government; it is government
by force.
That I may remain free; that I may not have to submit to any law but my own,
and that I may govern myself, the authority of the suffrage must be renounced: we
must give up the vote, as well as representation and monarchy. In a word, everything