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Bakunin, Mikhail quotes

1814-1876 Russian Political Theorist


The passion for destruction is also a creative passion.
Bakunin, Mikhail
Destructiveness

Freedom, morality, and the human dignity of the individual consists precisely in this; that he does good not because he is forced to do so, but because he freely conceives it, wants it, and loves it.
Bakunin, Mikhail
Goodness

I am truly free only when all human beings, men and women, are equally free. The freedom of other men, far from negating or limiting my freedom, is, on the contrary, its necessary premise and confirmation.
Bakunin, Mikhail
Liberty

Idealism is the despot of thought, just as politics is the despot of will.
Bakunin, Mikhail
Ideals and Idealism

To revolt is a natural tendency of life. Even a worm turns against the foot that crushes it. In general, the vitality and relative dignity of an animal can be measured by the intensity of its instinct to revolt.
Bakunin, Mikhail
Rebellion

The first revolt is against the supreme tyranny of theology, of the phantom of God. As long as we have a master in heaven, we will be slaves on earth.
Bakunin, Mikhail
Religion

Does it follow that I reject all authority? Perish the thought. In the matter of boots, I defer to the authority of the boot-maker.
Bakunin, Mikhail
Authority