Spreading Anarchy in Our Interpersonal Relationships

The belief in “authority” and the “necessity” of government is something deeply ingrained within most individuals. When the subject of anarchism is brought up, there are two responses that seem to be most prevalent: the emotional response, which is often accompanied by logical fallacies (i.e. ad hominem, appeal to tradition, etc.), and the over-inquisitive response (i.e. “How will ‘we’ feed the poor or defend ourselves?”).

Although the latter is preferred, one of the main tenets of market anarchism is the decentralization of power and spontaneous order. Hypotheticals could be discussed endlessly, and some “solutions” could even be reached, yet, in my experience, there are a couple that I simply have no answer for, especially given the fact that I am no central planner, nor should anyone else be.

Even when a concession is reached on a few things, the “impossibility” of anarchism is brought up. “Even if you’re right, it will never happen.”

For the remainder of this essay, communicative methods of spreading this peaceful philosophy will be explored.

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When I found anarchism and also began studying Austrian economics, I assumed that maybe I had discovered “all of the answers.” I preferred showing how “intelligent” I was, rather than communicating these ideas to others in a way that was easily digestible. This philosophy and the things it entails can make some individuals feel “intellectually superior”, but that is no way to spread a message—once you make someone feel inferior, they won’t be receptive to what you are saying, even if it is the truth.

One of the most valuable things I’ve learned from going to bars with my father and his co-workers is the best way to interact with people. (I know, spreading anarchy isn’t the same as management, but it is applicable.) 

Ask questions. Rather than raining hell onto an employee, or disseminating your years of research onto an innocent subject in one evening, ask questions. Depending on your goal in the interaction, the questions may vary, but doing this shows that you care about what they have to say and about what is on their mind. If your goal is to bring them to anarchism, you can guide the conversation with questions in a much less aggressive manner, thereby making them more receptive to the message. That isn’t to say you can’t inject facts and opinion into the matter, but use your best judgement.

Questions you ask could be most beneficial in an attempt to find common ground; of course, in this context it would be with regards to the State. Most everyone has something that they despise about the government; whether it is the monopoly power of licensure, government’s public education, social security, etc.—I’ve never had an issue finding common ground, with folks on the left and the right. Doing this can further drive the conversation, and increase the breadth and depth of your discussion. Though, just as you wouldn’t in poker, don’t show your hand too early—with each question and subject discussed, you’re slowly lowering the cognitive dissonance and their emotional resistance.

One suggested question could be, “Where has the government had a negative impact on your life?” Again, most everyone will have an answer to this question.

Another tool I have used to spread anarchism in my interpersonal relationships is through Facistbook. I don’t even have to bring up the subject of “government” anymore when I’m around family. Multiple people will inquire further about something I posted, thereby giving me an opening. This may not be applicable to all, but for those who can utilize this, do it. If they are the ones asking the questions, they are putting forth the initiative and are interested in learning more.

For example, this past month, I had a family member ask me how higher level indoctrination was going (my terminology for college). He gave me an opening, I took it, and we had conversations the rest of the weekend, mostly in agreement—this was a man that voted for Barack Obama both times in 2008 & 2012.

Let’s say, that you’ve kept the conversation going this far and they ask you, “Okay, I’m interested. What can I read or listen to for more information?”

This is your chance—though, keep in mind, as soon as you go your separate ways, you’ve got a relatively small opening. Hence, you shouldn’t recommend a reading of Mises’ 1200+ page Human Action. Respect the time they have available and also whom you are talking to. For example, you could recommend Leonard Read’s I, Pencil to a socialist to show them the impossibility of central planning in a 15 minute audiobook. For any other political ideology, you could recommend Henry Hazlitt’s Economics In One Lesson, which is available for free in PDF and audiobook formats. If they are worried about a world without professional policing, you could point them in the direction of Gustave de Molinari’s The Production of Security, especially in its format as a 45 minute audiobook.

The options are endless, but I think you get the point. Give them something they can listen to in their commute to and from their workplace. I am confident that any of the aforementioned recommendations will peak their interest, and I respect your judgement to choose the appropriate literature to fit the situation. And, with any luck, they’ll be contacting you again to get together.

“Wow, John, I listened to/read _________ and it blew me away. Want to meet to talk about this book?”

Just as with the free market, all of these conversations have been spontaneous, with little to no preparation on the subject matter at hand. It’s often out of the blue, in a vacation-like atmosphere and I have to accommodate as such. Though, I will never miss out on an opportunity to have these conversations. Despite the tenseness, despite some of the internal stress that I feel, these are the conversations that are of utmost importance. Learn from every one of these conversations and interactions and share them with others. Being skilled in salesmanship, all the while keeping the peace, will best facilitate “spreading the message.” Those closest to us, who care about us, will be, in my opinion, the ones most receptive.

Let’s spread anarchy in our interpersonal relationships.

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Shane is the founder of Liberty Under Attack and host of LUA Radio, a live show that airs every Thursday and Sunday at 7pm CST on the Freedom Phalanx Radio Network. He is a free market anarchist committed to providing solutions to his listeners and readers, so that they can create the freedom they desire in their own lives, RIGHT NOW, despite the State.