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Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution
320
by Peter Kropotkin, David Priestland (Introduction), David Priestland (Noted by)
Peter Kropotkin
Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution
320
by Peter Kropotkin, David Priestland (Introduction), David Priestland (Noted by)
Peter Kropotkin
Paperback
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Overview
In this cornerstone of modern liberal social theory, Peter Kropotkin states that the most effective human and animal communities are essentially cooperative, rather than competitive. Kropotkin based this classic on his observations of natural phenomena and history, forming a work of stunning and well-reasoned scholarship. Essential to the understanding of human evolution as well as social organization, it offers a powerful counterpoint to the tenets of Social Darwinism. It also cites persuasive evidence of human nature's innate compatibility with anarchist society.
"Kropotkin's basic argument is correct," noted evolutionary biologist Stephen Jay Gould. "Struggle does occur in many modes, and some lead to cooperation among members of a species as the best pathway to advantage for individuals." Anthropologist Ashley Montagu declared that "Mutual Aid will never be any more out of date than will the Declaration of Independence. New facts may increasingly become available, but we can already see that they will serve largely to support Kropotkin's conclusion that 'in the ethical progress of man, mutual support—not mutual struggle—has had the leading part.'" Physician and author Alex Comfort asserted that "Kropotkin profoundly influenced human biology by his theory of Mutual Aid. . . . He was one of the first systematic students of animal communities, and may be regarded as the founder of modern social ecology."
"Kropotkin's basic argument is correct," noted evolutionary biologist Stephen Jay Gould. "Struggle does occur in many modes, and some lead to cooperation among members of a species as the best pathway to advantage for individuals." Anthropologist Ashley Montagu declared that "Mutual Aid will never be any more out of date than will the Declaration of Independence. New facts may increasingly become available, but we can already see that they will serve largely to support Kropotkin's conclusion that 'in the ethical progress of man, mutual support—not mutual struggle—has had the leading part.'" Physician and author Alex Comfort asserted that "Kropotkin profoundly influenced human biology by his theory of Mutual Aid. . . . He was one of the first systematic students of animal communities, and may be regarded as the founder of modern social ecology."
Product Details
ISBN-13: | 9780241355336 |
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Publisher: | Penguin Publishing Group |
Publication date: | 07/09/2024 |
Pages: | 320 |
Product dimensions: | 5.05(w) x 7.75(h) x 0.71(d) |
About the Author
Peter Kropotkin (1842-1921) came from a major aristocratic Russian family but turned his back on it to embrace a life of imprisonment and exile in pursuit of his beliefs. His major works are The Conquest of Bread and Mutual Aid. His funeral was marked by the last permitted gathering of anarchists in the USSR.
David Priestland (introducer) is a British historian. He teaches modern history at the University of Oxford and is Fellow of St Edmund Hall. Priestland's research focuses on the history of the Soviet Union and the development of communism and neoliberalism. He is an occasional political and cultural commentator for The Guardian and New Statesman.
David Priestland (introducer) is a British historian. He teaches modern history at the University of Oxford and is Fellow of St Edmund Hall. Priestland's research focuses on the history of the Soviet Union and the development of communism and neoliberalism. He is an occasional political and cultural commentator for The Guardian and New Statesman.
Table of Contents
Preface to the 1914 EditionIntroduction
I.-II. Mutual Aid Among Animals
III. Mutual Aid Among Savages
IV. Mutual Aid Among the Barbarians
V.-VI. Mutual Aid in the Mediæval City
VII.-VIII. Mutual Aid Amongst Ourselves
Conclusion
Appendix A
I. Swarms of Butterflies, Dragon-flies, etc.
II. The Ants
III. Nesting Associations
IV. Sociability of Animals
V. Checks to Over-Multiplication
VI. Adaptations to Avoid Competition
VII. The Origin of the Family
VIII. Destruction of Private Property on the Grave
IX. The "Undivided Family"
X. The Origin of the Guilds
XI. The Market and the Mediæval City
XII. Mutual-Aid Arrangements in the Villages of Netherlands at the Present Day
Appendix B
The Struggle for Existence in Human Society by Thomas H. Huxley
Index
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