What do Anarchists think is the best way forward

Question

Anarchists want revolution but what is happening to make that a reality?

Answer 1

Myth: All anarchists desire "revolution."

Fact: A growing number of anarchists realize that "revolution" is probably never going to happen (at least not in their lifetimes) and probably wouldn't be desirable even if it did. The concept of "revolution" mistakenly assumes a linear conception of historical "Progress" in which some collective historical Subject (e.g "the Masses," "the Working Class," etc) strives after some Grand Ideal that they will probably never attain. Far too many anarchists chase after "revolution" like the proverbial carrot dangling from a string and completely sacrifice their own enjoyment in the process. 

Comments

nail on head.

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If anarchists don't want revolution, what do they want, and why be an anarchist?

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i want relationships not based on hierarchy, laws, and economics....because it feels a helluva lot better.

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many anarchists have a deep critique of Progress, making the notion of "forward" beside the point. for this anarchist, the best way to be is non-hierarchical and cooperative as much as possible in a cultural context that values hierarchy and competition. that said, while i don't find the idea of "forward" all that interesting, it's also certain that i'm not interested in going backward. i look at the development of critique as a series of concentric circles (as opposed to the straight line implied by Progress). the effects of actual moments of non-hierarchical interactions and more lasting relationships are like ripples on the surface of a lake, touching everything. perhaps those moments and relationships build on each other, reinforce each other, and make it easier for others to find inspiration. if you want to call that Progress, that's okay with me. i just call it being. 

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i really like your comments there, boles....especially "the effects of actual moments of non-hierarchical interactions and more lasting relationships are like ripples on the surface of a lake...."

and i like the rejection of forward/backward thinking, and rather in terms of concentric circles....yeah, the circle, not the pyramid....