Anarchy is Not Narcissists' Utopia

Anarchism is not Utopia for those suffering from chronic adolescence or Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Anarchy is not a vehicle for those lacking self-control, the vapid or the narcissistic that see it at the ultimate in me-ism.

Too many, including many who call themselves anarchists, understand anarchism as the ultimate realization of the American ideal of rugged individualism. Too many think that Anarchism means doing whatever one fancies to do no matter how tasteless or pointless it is, so long as it harms no one else - like acting like a pussycat or prancing around in red leotards on TV. No! Authentic anarchy means being free to act like a pussycat and prance around in red leotards on TV, but choosing not to absolutely freely, because there are better and more socially serving things that one can do with one's time and energy.

In reality, there is no such thing as doing whatever one wills without harming anyone if the actions taken are not society-serving, because the time spent acting like a pussycat or prancing around in red leotards is time that was not spent righting a wrong, feeding the indigent or giving succor to the infirm. The money spent on those shows was not disbursed to relieve suffering.

Anarchy is a non-state in which every individual is free to do as he or she wishes, but freely wishes to do that which is for the benefit of all insofar as she or he is able. It is bearing the brunt of social responsibility willingly, without having to be compelled to do so.

The ultimate freedom is being strong enough to take on the yoke of the welfare of others willingly, fully voluntarily and with joy without the need of any compulsion to do so.

Doreen Ellen Bell-Dotan, Tzfat, Israel
DoreenDotan@gmail.com