Anarchism & Human Nature
Some anarchists share with liberals the belief that people are born good. This view supports the idea that an ideal society and order are possible. It also suggests that humans are naturally social and prefer living in groups. William Godwin was an early supporter of the notion that people can achieve moral perfection.
A key belief among anarchists is that each person is sovereign and deserves their own freedom. Liberals agree but stress that the government and its laws are needed to protect this liberty. Anarchists disagree, claiming true freedom exists without laws that limit individual actions. They must then explain how people could stay safe from each other in a lawless society.
Anarchists have different thoughts on how a lawless society would function based on their views of human nature. Godwin believed that if people could use their own judgement, they would not harm each other's freedom, making laws unnecessary. Peter Kropotkin argued that humans are naturally social and would find freedom within voluntary groups. He asked if bees in a hive are free, answering that they are because they choose to live together as a group.
While anarchists have varying views on human nature, they all agree that individual freedom is inherent to humanity and that such freedom should never be given up to any authority.
Altrusim is concern for the welfare, feelings and needs of others based on the assumption that humans are naturally sociable, endorse social solidarity and capable of putting others’ interests before their own. Collectivist anarchists tend to see people as altruistic whereas individualist anarchists do not.
The egotistical view of human nature
Max Stirner strongly supported the belief that human nature is fundamentally self-interested. He believed that the ego is a key part of each person’s identity. This ego drives individuals to feel they deserve everything available in the world. To be true to themselves, people should strive to gain what they desire. Stirner did not think this would automatically make people selfish or unwilling to help others. He argued that individuals would consider the needs of others if it served their interests. Stirner envisioned a future where more people became egoists, leading to the formation of ‘unions of egoism’—groups united in pursuing their common goals.