Definitions



Anarchy

The definition and application of Anarchy used throughout The Pragmatic Anarchist web site is from the Greek and Latin: “Having no ruler; absence of government”. Proving the need for accurate application, other Anarchy “definitions” offered by authoritative sources are actually prejudiced inferences rather than accurate definitions. For example, Merriam-Webster, while correctly defining Anarchy as “absence of government” (1a), follows with “a state of lawlessness or political disorder due to the absence of governmental authority” (1b), reinforcing the inaccurate assertion that “Anarchy” must be a “state of lawlessness” merely because “Government” isn’t there to establish and maintain “lawful order”. Webster’s lexicographers omit the inconvenient fact that “lawlessness” is the result of Government and Force (“authority”), rather than the absence of it. Ironically, the editors follow with definition 1c: “a utopian society of individuals who enjoy complete freedom without government”. One wonders how “lawlessness” or the absence of ”political order” possibly produce enjoyment and complete freedom without government?

Those obsessed with Power have used aggressive ignorance and irrational fear to slander Anarchy’s true meaning in order to preserve their own sociopathic delusions. In "No Room In The Tent", I wrote : “Unfortunately, the enemies of Liberty have given Anarchy a bad name. In fact, it is the elimination of government that is the practical solution to tyranny and oppression because the State and Government are the parents of both.” And they’ve done a damned good job! Pre-judged with ignorance and prejudice rather than objective Due Diligence, even when faced with irrefutable proof, undeniable historical facts and contemporaneous examples, most will deny even a consideration of Anarchism as a constructive, liberating alternative to the Rule of Force.



Pragmatism

As with Anarchy, pragmatism needs to be correctly understood in the context of the title and mission of this site.

“Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.” Merriam-Webster Free Dictionary

“Dealing or concerned with facts or actual occurrences; practical.” The Free Dictionary


As noted above, our goal is to advance the understanding of Anarchy and Anarchism without the rancor that permeates most discussions/literature concerning it. Sadly, too many Anarchists writing and speaking today are their own bad PR. I have wondered: what it is about knowing Truth based on Fact that turns otherwise reasonable people into irritating, obnoxious faux-elitists? Similarly, too many discussions go off into flights of singular irrelevance. Much like the rhetorical debate about “how many angels can dance on the head of a pin” and “if a tree falls in forest…” or the myriad of others. It is our intent to avoid senseless, pointless “debates” that serve no useful purpose beyond giving some a chance to toss around Big Words and clever debating techniques. While healthy, informative, vigorous discussions are strongly encouraged (and a sense of humor, irony, and sarcasm might be useful), every effort will be made to keep conversation civil, compelling and on point. Ultimately, our goal is more to proselytize than ostracize…



Cognitive Dissonance

Cognitive Dissonance is a natural and usually rebellious reaction to long-held, comfortable beliefs. Having one’s comfortable - but inaccurate - belief system challenged while glimpsing irrefutable arguments can be disquieting unless one is earnestly searching for answers amidst the chaos of current events caused by….Government. If you haven’t experienced it, at some point you likely will. If you have already been through the “WTF?” moments and are still reading, props to you. Press on!

As people begin to get the dangerous joke of the “2 party system”, the myth of “government” and “authority” and the immorality of “ruling” ones fellow man, it’s likely they will encounter suffer some amount of “CD” much the same as Dorothy met the Great Oz. Assuming you are on your own personal journey of exploration and Due Diligence, press on. Anarchism is the liberation for which you’re searching. Don’t take my word for it. Everyone must come to that conclusion for themselves. 

Or not.


Mission Statement


The Pragmatic Anarchist will do strive to circumvent (circumsize?!) those who make exploring, finding, embracing Anarchy more difficult than it is. Your own cognitive dissonance will be sufficient to challenge your reasoning, objectivity, logic, analytical skills and perseverance.

Anarchy, as defined above, is the last and only hope to live free in a Free Society. No wonder those in power malign its definition and application. Anarchy eliminates government along with those who claim and abuse its authority. To paraphrase a popular chant: “No government; know peace”.

There is no government like no government.