Peter Kropotkin (1842-1921) was a Russian revolutionary, geographer, and anarchist philosopher best known for advocating anarcho-communism. Born into a noble family, Kropotkin initially pursued a career in the Russian military and later in geography and natural sciences. His experiences in Siberia, where he conducted extensive geological and biological research, led him to develop ideas about mutual aid, which he argued was a natural principle of evolution. Kropotkin’s seminal works, such as “Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution,” challenged the prevailing notion of survival of the fittest, emphasizing cooperation over competition as a driving force in nature.
Kropotkin became involved in revolutionary activities and was imprisoned for his beliefs. After his release, he lived in exile in Europe, writing influential texts advocating for a society based on voluntary cooperation and the abolition of the state. His major works include “The Conquest of Bread” and “Fields, Factories and Workshops.” Throughout his life, Kropotkin remained committed to social justice and environmentalism, promoting anarchist principles and influencing various movements and thinkers. He returned to Russia after the 1917 Revolution but became disillusioned with the Bolshevik regime’s authoritarianism. Kropotkin’s legacy endures in anarchist thought and movements advocating for decentralized, egalitarian societies.
Lazarus Carpenter - Author 