For those who are just beginning to explore the legacy of Mikhail Bakunin, choosing the right starting point becomes a key step on the path to understanding his revolutionary views.

Exploring Bakunin: A Foundational Guide to Revolutionary Thought

For those who are just beginning to explore the legacy of Mikhail Bakunin, choosing the right starting point becomes a key step on the path to understanding his revolutionary views. Start with his article “Reaction in Germany” — it is this very work that lays the foundation for his subsequent philosophical explorations and ideas about freedom and the decentralization of power. This piece not only marked a turning point in his intellectual career but also became a striking example of how the thinker sought to liberate society from imposed orders.

After mastering the initial material, it is recommended to delve into other important treatises, such as “God and the State”, “Federalism, Socialism and Anti-Theologism”, “The Knouto-German Empire and Social Revolution”, and “Dieu et l'Etat”. Each of these works reveals distinct facets of Bakunin’s worldview, offering a fresh perspective on the organic development of society and its self-organization without centralized control. Reading the original texts, rather than intermediary analyses, allows one to feel the pulse of the ideas that laid the foundation for the anarchist tradition and continue to inspire thinkers around the world.

Thus, by following a sequential approach and beginning with “Reaction in Germany”, you build a solid foundation for a deeper understanding of both the philosophical and political aspects of Bakunin’s work. This journey not only broadens your outlook but also energizes you to rethink modern social and political realities.

Which of Bakunin’s works are most relevant for getting acquainted with his ideas, and where is it best to begin reading?

For an introduction to Bakunin’s ideas, it is recommended to start with his core works that offer the most complete overview of his views. One of the best introductory texts is his article “Reaction in Germany”. As noted in one of the sources, “His main works should be started with ‘Reaction in Germany’ — this article is a turning point in his philosophical development” (source: link txt).

Furthermore, for a broader understanding of his ideas, it is worthwhile to become familiar with key writings such as “God and the State”, “Federalism, Socialism and Anti-Theologism”, “The Knouto-German Empire and Social Revolution”, and “Dieu et l'Etat”. These works provide the foundation for grasping his views on decentralization of power, the organic development of society, and anarchist principles. As stated in one of the cited texts, “Bakunin should ideally be read not in textbooks and critical treatises by philosophers, but directly. His main writings are ‘Reaction in Germany’, ‘God and the State’, ‘Federalism, Socialism and Anti-Theologism’, ‘The Knouto-German Empire and Social Revolution’” (source: link txt).

Thus, to acquaint yourself with Bakunin’s ideas, it is recommended to start with “Reaction in Germany” and then move on to the more comprehensive works that collectively reflect the key points of his philosophical and political thinking.