On Anarchism by Noam Chomsky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There Is No Benign Power

If you think anarchism means approval of chaos, think again. Anarchism is merely the rejection of the idea that there is an entirely legitimate source for power (Greek = without origin). Whether ascribed ultimately to having its source in God, the gods, The People or genetic legacy, power will always and everywhere be abused by those who wield it. Therefore anarchism's central principle is that power must be continuously questioned and challenged to prove that it is not acting in its own interests.

Noam Chomsky has spent his life getting under the skin of powerful people - academics, politicians, corporate executives, civil servants, in short, The Establishment. Many don't like him as a consequence and do their best to make him out to be yesterday's news.

But Chomsky's profound message is more important today than ever: Never, never trust power, regardless of who holds it or of the political or economic system in which it is exercised; always call it to account by whatever means is available.

On Anarchism is a sort of thoughtful handbook to help you on your way.

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