First published 1987
In the 19th century, the rise of social Darwinism and "survival of the fittest" threatened to undermine the social bonds that held communities together. But Russian naturalist Peter Kropotkin saw things differently. Drawing on his studies of animal behavior and human history, he argues that mutual aid - the instinct to cooperate for mutual benefit - has been a key factor in evolution and the development of prosperous societies. From indigenous tribes to medieval guilds, Kropotkin traces the pragmatic advantages of cooperation, challenging the prevailing view that our success depends on cutthroat individualism. At its core, Mutual Aid is a powerful case for a more collaborative, communal vision of human potential.
Genres: 20th-century, social-science, anthropology, biology, 19th-century, activism
Vibes: academic, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: academic, historical, non-fiction
Period: 19th Century
148 pages · Paperback