Quote I Read in "Anarchist Solidarity"

by Harold E. French

"Does it follow that I reject all authority? Far from me such a thought. In the matter of boots, I refer to the authority of the bootmaker; concerning houses, canals, or railroads, I consult that if the architect or engineer. For such or such special knowledge I apply to such or such a savant. But I allow neither the bootmaker nor the architect nor the savant to impose his authority upon me. I listen to them freely + with respect merited by their intelligence, their character, their knowledge, reserving always my incontestable right off criticism + censure. I do not content myself with consulting a single authority in any special branch; I consult several; I compare their opinions, + I choose that which seems to me the soundest. But I recognize no infallible authority, even in special questions; consequently, whatever respect I may have for the honesty + sincerity of such and such an individual, I have no faith in any person. Such a faith would be fatal to my reason, to my liberty, + even to the success of my undertakings; it would immediately transform me into a stupid slave, an instrument of the will + interests of others."

—Michael Bakunin, "God + the State"

[i.e.—DTA (est. 2008)]

Plato's Apology: Socrates and Domestic Violence

     "No, I didn’t think then that I should do
anything servile because of the danger I faced, and so I don’t regret now
that I defended myself as I did. I’d far rather die after such a defense than
live like that." (Plato's Apology, 38e)

     "The difficult thing, gentlemen, isn’t escaping death;
escaping villainy is much more difficult, since it runs faster than death." (Plato's Apology, 39a)


     A past lover of mine used to express that he could not fathom how a woman could continue with an argument even as his fist was held high. Socrates, in Plato's Apology, expresses well my need to continue such a violent quarrel. I would rather be punished for what I believe to be "right" than to sit in silent obedience as my persecutor gains pleasure from my submission. The quotes really speak for themselves.

Question of the Day #1

Philosophical Question of the Day:

What gives meaning to your life? To anybody's life in general??
(I am attempting to spark conversations which will differ from our usual day to day small talk + meaningless banter [especially on Facebook!!]. If it goes well, I may continue the practice either on here or possibly on a blog that I will create. Let's move away from conversations about the weather, to conversations about why the weather affects an individual's mood + whether or not it is a natural or synthesized phenomena [Don't be too quick to shoot conspiracies + other such opinions like this down without proper personal research + evaluation of knowledge surrounding whatever topic is being discussed. After all, many theories recognized as factual have roots in conspiracies.]. Knowledge is only gained through an interest in that which we do not already understand. "You rarely learn something from a man who agreed with you." Differing opinions should be learned + respected because you might just find you learn something new that you never would have thought of without having kept an open mind. Have fun y'all! ❤️💙💜🖤🖤💜💙❤️)

#missphilosoph4r