Egoist anarchism is a philosophical system that emphasizes individualism and rejects any kind of authority. The spelling of "egoist anarchism" can be broken down phonetically as /ˈiːɡəʊɪst/ /ˈænəkɪzəm/. The first part, "egoist," is pronounced as "ee-go-ist," while the second part, "anarchism," is pronounced as "an-uh-kiz-um." Together, the word is pronounced as "ee-go-ist an-uh-kiz-um." The emphasis on the first syllables of each word lends a sense of assertion to this radical worldview.
Egoist anarchism is a philosophical and political ideology that combines elements of both egoism and anarchism. It is a school of thought within anarchism that emphasizes individual freedom, self-interest, and the rejection of external authority and coercion.
At its core, egoist anarchism promotes the idea that individuals should prioritize their own interests and desires above any external authority or societal norms. It argues that individual well-being and personal fulfillment should be the ultimate goals of human existence. Egoist anarchists believe that society should be organized in a way that allows individuals to freely pursue their self-interest without interference or oppression.
Egoist anarchists reject the notion of a central authority or state that enforces laws and regulations upon individuals. They advocate for a society in which individuals are able to voluntarily associate and cooperate with others based on their own self-interest. This voluntary and cooperative association does not involve the imposition of rules, but rather stems from a mutual understanding and respect for each individual's desires and interests.
Egoist anarchism draws inspiration from the works of Max Stirner, a German philosopher who argued that individuals should assert themselves and their own desires over any external authority. It also shares similarities with other forms of individualist anarchism, such as individualist anarchism and insurrectionary anarchism.
Overall, egoist anarchism promotes individual freedom and personal fulfillment while rejecting external authority and coercion, aiming to create a society where individuals can live according to their own desires and interests.
The term "egoist anarchism" originated from the ideas and writings of the Russian philosopher Max Stirner. Stirner's influential work, "The Ego and Its Own" (1844), formed the foundation of egoist anarchism.
The word "egoist" refers to the philosophical concept of egoism, which centers around the belief that individuals should prioritize their own self-interests and desires over those of others. Stirner argued that society and its institutions, such as the state, religion, and morality, imposed limitations on individual freedom and autonomy. He advocated for the complete liberation of the individual from these external authorities, emphasizing the importance of self-realization and personal autonomy.
The term "anarchism", on the other hand, derives from the Greek words "an", meaning "without", and "arkhos", meaning "ruler" or "authority".