Chomsky on Anarchism.pdf - Zine Library

PREFACE
pmential is stunted and deformed by hierarchical social relationships. Critique
without an underlying vision is mere complaint, which is precisely how politicians
and Fox News anchors portray all social protest. To understand
<strong>Chomsky</strong>, one must understand his vision-which is to say one must understand
anarchism.
If this book serves its purpose, you'll be well on your way. As Barry
Pateman suggests in his introduction, there is no single definition of anarchism.
Certainly, some anarchists will take issue with different aspects of
<strong>Chomsky</strong>'s version-especially, for instance, his refusal to deny the importance
of reformist political victories (however dear he is about their limitations).
But, whether they know nothing about anarchism or think they know everything,
everyone who reads this book will learn something valuable. And then,
hopefully, go on to learn more, enough to eventually build the sort of world
<strong>Chomsky</strong> envisions, a world where every person participates directly in the
decisions that affect their daily lives and illegitimate authority is consigned to
its proper place: a sad historical footnote about the days before we got our act
together and set things righc.
6
Charles Weigl
for the AK Press Collective
March 2005