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Jan 23, 2025
From The Creative Nothing
December 22, 2024
The Egoist Encyclopedia is a significant compilation of columns authored by Wolfi Landstreicher for Anarchy: A Journal of Desire Armed. Wolfi has established a notable reputation in the fields of Egoism and Anarchism through his extensive body of work, positioning himself as an important contemporary thinker. This book serves to clarify essential concepts related to the Anarcho-Egoist school of thought, while also addressing and dispelling common myths and misconceptions. Additionally, it explores the implications and potential actions associated with Egoist-Anarchism.
Consisting of 20 pages, the text is organized into nine chapters that examine various aspects of Egoist-Anarchism. It opens with an introduction in which the author outlines his motivations for creating this work. Subsequently, Wolfi delves into relevant topics that pertain to Anarcho-Egoist theory and practice. The chapter titles reflect discussions on Egoism, Anarchism, God, Realism, Writer’s Block, Society, and Boundaries. The work concludes with a manifesto underscoring the significance of the place of understanding the unique in relation to Anarcho-Egoist action.
The Egoist Encyclopedia is a brief yet impactful work that delivers a strong message. It is an essential resource for anyone seeking a foundational understanding of Anarchist Egoism. What makes the book stand out is in Wolfi’s clarity in writing, his lack of fear in addressing controversial topics, and is in its relatability to everyday experiences. One of the best examples of this is in the column of “Realism”.
Realism stands as a formidable ideology that asserts the current political and economic system is so deeply entrenched that any attempts to challenge it are simply futile unless they conform to acceptable forms of protest. Wolfi argues that realism permeates every authoritarian society, serving as a key instrument for those in power to shape social consensus. It diverts individuals from their challenging ideas, creative aspirations, and exhilarating dreams that could disrupt the stability of the ruling elite. While it may be unsurprising to see such ideologies embraced by those unwilling to disrupt the system, it is indeed alarming to witness this mentality among self-identified anarchists. Wolfi does not shy away from calling them out for their complicity. He points out:
“[…] to understand what might draw some anarchists to accept, even if only temporarily, this ruling ideology that is so contrary to any form of rebellion, it is necessary to recognize that far too many anarchists are soft-hearted, soft-headed humanitarians, animalist or even environmentalist. They tend to mistake charity for solidarity (something that I hope to deal with in future encyclopedia entries). In other words they are altruist. Their altruism is the key to how realism tames them” (p.14).
While this statement may be considered controversial and might sting many anarchists who read it, there appears to be some truth to the observation when we examine how many radicals address the issue of realism. We have all encountered realism through phrases like, “Why are you protesting? It’s not like you’re going to change anything!” or “Do anarchists truly believe that a stateless society can exist? Or that you can achieve that without the use of the state? That’s just not realistic.” These comments might be easy to dismiss. However, there is a more insidious form of defeatism evident in the “realism” described by Wolfi within radical circles.
For instance, during each U.S. presidential election, we often hear political catchphrases such as “lesser of two evils,” “this is the most important vote of our lifetime,” “we must stop fascism,” and “damage control.” These phrases, which reflect the “realist” attitudes described by Wolfi, infiltrate the discourse of individuals who identify as anarchists or as part of the left, leading them to justify their voting behavior or other otherwise submissive actions.
Wolfi discusses this situation in his book, stating:
“I have heard self-proclaimed anarchists use it to justify petitioning the government, writing letters to various authorities to influence their decisions, litigating, promoting legislation, voting, and so on. One anarchist I knew even attempted to justify Paul Watson’s collaboration with certain police forces in South America to combat marine poachers under the guise of an urgent need to protect endangered marine animals.” This sense of urgency, combined with altruism, leads these “realistic” anarchists to ultimately sacrifice themselves to the existing social order.” (p. 14)
Although Wolfi presents a rather bleak perspective in this column, he also offers valuable advice. He states:
“But, contrary to the claims of the ideologues of realism, there is another way to face reality; as it’s implacable enemy. I have my ideas, my dreams, my desires. They may not be realistic, but they are my own. To give them up would be to give myself up, and I'm not going to do that.” (p.14)
In just a few lines, Wolfi encapsulates the entire philosophy of Egoist-Anarchism in a motivating and poetic manner. Such evocative lines are scattered throughout the book, making it an enjoyable, inspiring, and informative read. I highly recommend this short work to both newcomers and those already familiar with the subject.
From The Creative Nothing
December 22, 2024
The Egoist Encyclopedia is a significant compilation of columns authored by Wolfi Landstreicher for Anarchy: A Journal of Desire Armed. Wolfi has established a notable reputation in the fields of Egoism and Anarchism through his extensive body of work, positioning himself as an important contemporary thinker. This book serves to clarify essential concepts related to the Anarcho-Egoist school of thought, while also addressing and dispelling common myths and misconceptions. Additionally, it explores the implications and potential actions associated with Egoist-Anarchism.
Consisting of 20 pages, the text is organized into nine chapters that examine various aspects of Egoist-Anarchism. It opens with an introduction in which the author outlines his motivations for creating this work. Subsequently, Wolfi delves into relevant topics that pertain to Anarcho-Egoist theory and practice. The chapter titles reflect discussions on Egoism, Anarchism, God, Realism, Writer’s Block, Society, and Boundaries. The work concludes with a manifesto underscoring the significance of the place of understanding the unique in relation to Anarcho-Egoist action.
The Egoist Encyclopedia is a brief yet impactful work that delivers a strong message. It is an essential resource for anyone seeking a foundational understanding of Anarchist Egoism. What makes the book stand out is in Wolfi’s clarity in writing, his lack of fear in addressing controversial topics, and is in its relatability to everyday experiences. One of the best examples of this is in the column of “Realism”.
Realism stands as a formidable ideology that asserts the current political and economic system is so deeply entrenched that any attempts to challenge it are simply futile unless they conform to acceptable forms of protest. Wolfi argues that realism permeates every authoritarian society, serving as a key instrument for those in power to shape social consensus. It diverts individuals from their challenging ideas, creative aspirations, and exhilarating dreams that could disrupt the stability of the ruling elite. While it may be unsurprising to see such ideologies embraced by those unwilling to disrupt the system, it is indeed alarming to witness this mentality among self-identified anarchists. Wolfi does not shy away from calling them out for their complicity. He points out:
“[…] to understand what might draw some anarchists to accept, even if only temporarily, this ruling ideology that is so contrary to any form of rebellion, it is necessary to recognize that far too many anarchists are soft-hearted, soft-headed humanitarians, animalist or even environmentalist. They tend to mistake charity for solidarity (something that I hope to deal with in future encyclopedia entries). In other words they are altruist. Their altruism is the key to how realism tames them” (p.14).
While this statement may be considered controversial and might sting many anarchists who read it, there appears to be some truth to the observation when we examine how many radicals address the issue of realism. We have all encountered realism through phrases like, “Why are you protesting? It’s not like you’re going to change anything!” or “Do anarchists truly believe that a stateless society can exist? Or that you can achieve that without the use of the state? That’s just not realistic.” These comments might be easy to dismiss. However, there is a more insidious form of defeatism evident in the “realism” described by Wolfi within radical circles.
For instance, during each U.S. presidential election, we often hear political catchphrases such as “lesser of two evils,” “this is the most important vote of our lifetime,” “we must stop fascism,” and “damage control.” These phrases, which reflect the “realist” attitudes described by Wolfi, infiltrate the discourse of individuals who identify as anarchists or as part of the left, leading them to justify their voting behavior or other otherwise submissive actions.
Wolfi discusses this situation in his book, stating:
“I have heard self-proclaimed anarchists use it to justify petitioning the government, writing letters to various authorities to influence their decisions, litigating, promoting legislation, voting, and so on. One anarchist I knew even attempted to justify Paul Watson’s collaboration with certain police forces in South America to combat marine poachers under the guise of an urgent need to protect endangered marine animals.” This sense of urgency, combined with altruism, leads these “realistic” anarchists to ultimately sacrifice themselves to the existing social order.” (p. 14)
Although Wolfi presents a rather bleak perspective in this column, he also offers valuable advice. He states:
“But, contrary to the claims of the ideologues of realism, there is another way to face reality; as it’s implacable enemy. I have my ideas, my dreams, my desires. They may not be realistic, but they are my own. To give them up would be to give myself up, and I'm not going to do that.” (p.14)
In just a few lines, Wolfi encapsulates the entire philosophy of Egoist-Anarchism in a motivating and poetic manner. Such evocative lines are scattered throughout the book, making it an enjoyable, inspiring, and informative read. I highly recommend this short work to both newcomers and those already familiar with the subject.
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