Hi There

[Paspie]

Hi there, been lurking around anarchism for a while (since October) with much interest. Was a left/mutualist anarchist, dabbled with ancap but right now I'm an anarchist without adjectives because I believe there is only a chance of anarchy to succeed when there is no group to plan it out to be a particular type. Spontaneous = yes.

Despite being 15 years old I want to take it seriously in some way but find it a little difficult to express my ideas in the real world. Having aspergers syndrome its not easy to conjure up responses simply on the spot. So often the perception ends up a little inbetween the two informal and formal extremes.

I don't want to have any clear ambitions for the future, if there is an occupation I like then maybe I'll go for it but I don't want to be disappointed with anything I end up with. Deciding on whether I should take school seriously is a huge struggle since I have to contend with teachers who would otherwise be great people if they wouldn't just except capitalism so easily even though they might not 'want' to. In a similar way I can be shy to share with everyone that I am actually an anarchist though I will usually provide a hint or two in conversations. One of my parents still associates the term with the dictionary/dystopia view that really should be wiped clear from the public perception.

My grades are currently in a yo-yo all the time. Some exams I'm in the (what you would probably say the 'wrong') mood where I feel like actually achieving something and getting a half-decent result, other times I feel defiant and may not revise well enough or maybe simply embedded in my personal life way too much. Sometimes I want to work hard in the classroom, sometimes not. My attitudes can be a bit shaky at times as well.

So there you go, just a brief summary of me in relation to anarchy.

[dougfurst]

Hi, I'm new to the site, but not anarchist philosophy, and I had to respond just to let you know that I'm quite heartened that your generation has produced such impressive human beings. I didn't come to the conclusions you have, or really have much of a political awareness at all till college.

As far a school goes, I tell my daughter, who is one year your junior, that the important thing is to get through it, and never buy into the teachers and administrators myth of their own authority. Never sacrifice your own power, which is founded on your own self-awareness (which always affirms your intrinsic goodness) and never doubt your recognition that the systems of control that you are currently enduring represent an empty suit and are founded upon a false sense competence and a truly compromised moral compass. The people aren't bad, no people are...but the systems they buy into, and therefore must defend, deny your power at every turn.

As far as the efforts you in particular put towards your studies, again, that should be entirely up to you. How likely is it that you wish to continue with formal education? I would attempt to make the grades that make that a likely outcome, if you wish to go to college.

Considering how alienating school is, since it is the modern world condensed and focused for a captive audience, I consider your attitude sterling.

I am truly, and sincerely impressed and it is very nice to meet you.

Doug

[Paspie]

Hello, thanks for the comments! I obviously presented myself the right way that time round and not an absolute idiot.

Anyway, I have a few things to add that didn't quite make it to the original post. Firstly, anarchy should not be about what it is on its own, it should be about what comes out of it. While there is nothing anarchy can do to stop war it can strip societies from a lot of stress that causes it. People would feel like they are participating and immersed in a truly incredible world rather being enslaved just to earn things in it. Therefore theoretically, everyone could be friends, though we shouldn't expect it since spontaneous order is what its all about, right? Anything can work in anarchy.

My second point is basically expanding on what I said about not having a clear goal. I have nothing that is important to me.

I cannot think of an explanation for this one so maybe I will go back and edit it on. Its tough because its so, so 'out there'.