Anarchy

"Anarchy" by Robert LeFevre is a philosophical treatise written in the late 1950s that delves into the nature of liberty and the implications of anarchism. The book explores the concept of government as a primary adversary of individual freedom, prompting readers to consider the complexities of establishing a society without governmental structures. The work reflects LeFevre's views as the founder of the Freedom School, advocating for a society based on voluntary cooperation and the preservation of personal liberties. In "Anarchy," LeFevre investigates key figures in anarchistic thought, including William Godwin, Pierre Joseph Proudhon, and Mikhail Bakunin, contrasting their ideas with those of libertarianism. He highlights the tension between anarchists advocating for the abolition of government and private property versus libertarians who champion individual rights, particularly the right to own property. The book argues for a clear distinction between anarchism, which aims to eliminate government and private ownership, and libertarianism, which seeks to protect individual freedoms and the right to private property. Throughout the text, LeFevre emphasizes the importance of understanding these ideologies in the pursuit of true liberty.