God and the State [Paperback]

Michael Bakunin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1970

A founder of modern philosophical anarchism presents a clear introduction to anarchist thought and a manifesto of atheism. Bakunin offers a mind-opening experience for even the most skeptical readers. This influential work denounces religion as a weapon of the state that must be smashed in the pursuit of the right to self-determination.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, French (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 89 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; Revised edition (June 1, 1970)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 048622483X
• ISBN-13: 978-0486224831
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #111,406 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Social Sciences > General
  • #18 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Politics > Ideologies > Communism & Socialism
  • #48 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > History > World > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A worthwhile book for someone interested in anarchism., November 30, 1998

By 

daibhidh "daibhidh" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: God and the State (Paperback)

This book features Bakunin's unfinished essay of the same title. It is an excellent exploration of the psyche and motivations of one of history's more influential also-rans. Bakunin's ideas eventually evolved into what became known as anarchism -- the idea that the only way to a just society is through a society where no one rules over another...where all are equals.

This short book provides a window into the underlying ideas that came to be anarchism. Bakunin was an excellent pamphleteer and polemicist, but wasn't able to write a complete book. Perhaps this was ultimately better for anarchism.

Bakunin's historical contributions to political radicalism are largely overshadowed by Marx, his contemporary, even though Bakunin's core critique of Marx -- that socialism could never be forced on people and remain socialism -- was essentially correct. History, represented by the former USSR, Cuba, North Korea, etc. has vindicated Bakunin, and repudiated Marx. Where socialism was imposed by way of a political vanguard, it ceased to be socialism.

Thus, at this time, it's good for people to read Bakunin to realize there was an alternative vision of socialism in his ideas -- namely, anarchism. Marx successfully blocked Bakunin's ideas in his day, but I think that with the collapse of faux-communism, Bakunin may finally get the reading he deserved.

Bakunin represented in his time the very embodiment of radical revolution, and this book lets the reader get a sense of this.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Thesis, December 19, 2005

By 

Godspark (Imperial, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: God and the State (Paperback)

Bakunin's political beliefs rejected governing systems in every name and shape, from the idea of God downwards; and every form of external authority, whether emanating from the will of a sovereign or from universal suffrage. He wrote in his Dieu et l'Etat or God and the State (published posthumously in 1882):

"The liberty of man consists solely in this, that he obeys the laws of nature, because he has himself recognized them as such, and not because they have been imposed upon him externally by any foreign will whatsoever, human or divine, collective or individual."
Natural laws being thus recognized by every man for himself, Bakunin's reasoning went, an individual could not but obey them, for they would be the laws also of his own nature; and the need for political organization, administration and legislation would at once disappear.

Bakunin similarly rejected the notion of any privileged position or class, since "it is the peculiarity of privilege and of every privileged position to kill the intellect and heart of man. The privileged man, whether he be privileged politically or economically, is a man depraved in intellect and heart."

Bakunin's methods of realizing his revolutionary program were no less purposeful than his principles. The revolutionist, as Bakunin described, would be a devoted man, who allowed no private interests or feelings, and no scruples of religion, patriotism or morality, to turn him aside from his mission, the aim of which is by all available means to overturn the existing society.

The dispute between Mikhail Bakunin and Karl Marx highlighted the difference between anarchism and communism: While both anarchists and communists share the same final goal (the creation of a free, egalitarian society with no social classes and no government), they strongly disagree on how to achieve this goal. Anarchists believe that the classless, stateless society should be established right away, as soon as possible. Communists believe that such a thing would be impossible and that the anarchists are too idealistic; the communists want a more gradual transition towards the classless and stateless society, involving a transitional stage of democratic government and planned economics, which they call "socialism".

His works are erudite and forceful and should be read by anyone interested in polictical science and/or philosophy.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good overview of Bakunin, March 8, 2002

By 

Kathy Hendrix (Dallas, Georgia USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: God and the State (Paperback)

This is one of the first books I have read on anarchism, and it certainly makes some very powerful points, especially on issues of "divine authority" and the church in general. Bakunin also reveals some novel ideas about religion, its origins and most importantly of all, how church and state support one another to have power over the masses. I have read some of Bakunin's essays but this short book (although incomplete) is good overview of his thought, and a rich overview of some of anarchism's core beliefs.

I also recommend Emma Goldman's "Anarchism and Other Essays" and if you are willing to search for out of print titles "Bakunin on Anarchism".