Johann Most
Johann Most: The Radical Anarchist and Proponent of Revolutionary Action
Full Name and Common Aliases
Johann Georg Kustermann, also known as John Most, was a German-American anarchist, socialist, and writer. His influential writings and public speaking skills made him one of the most prominent figures in the anarchist movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on October 24, 1846, in Bredenbek, Holstein (now part of Germany), Johann Most died on March 17, 1906, in New York City, USA.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Most was a German-American anarchist, socialist, and writer. He worked as an editor, journalist, and public speaker throughout his career, advocating for radical social change through the abolition of private property and the establishment of a stateless society.
Early Life and Background
Johann Most grew up in a family of modest means in Holstein. His early life was marked by poverty and hardship, which likely contributed to his later radicalization. At 17, he joined the German army during the Austro-Prussian War but deserted shortly after. He then spent time as a laborer, anarchist organizer, and writer before immigrating to the United States in 1882.
Major Accomplishments
Most's most significant contributions to the anarchist movement include:
Establishing the Freiheit: In 1882, Most founded the influential radical newspaper, _Freiheit_ (Freedom), which became a mouthpiece for his ideas and those of the anarchist movement.
Influencing the Haymarket Riot: His writings and speeches helped spread the idea of direct action, contributing to the atmosphere that led up to the 1886 Haymarket Riot in Chicago. Although Most was not present at the event, he later wrote about it extensively.
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works by Most include:
Die Partei: A collection of essays and speeches advocating for anarchist principles.
Revolutionare Fragen: A series of articles discussing various aspects of revolution, including armed struggle and terrorism.
His numerous public speeches and lectures on anarchism, socialism, and individual freedom.Impact and Legacy
Johann Most's impact on the anarchist movement and broader social history is undeniable:
He played a key role in shaping the ideology of the anarchist movement during the late 19th century, emphasizing direct action, terrorism, and revolutionary violence as means to achieve social change.
His writings and speeches inspired many radicals and revolutionaries worldwide, including Emma Goldman, who often cited him as an influence.
Most's legacy is also marked by controversy; his advocacy for violent revolution led some to view him as a terrorist sympathizer.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Johann Most remains a significant figure in the history of anarchism and socialism due to:
His influential writings, which continue to be studied and quoted by scholars and activists.
His role in shaping anarchist thought and action during a pivotal period in history.
* The controversy surrounding his ideas on violence and revolution, which sparks ongoing debate about the limits of revolutionary action.
Johann Most's contributions to the anarchist movement and broader social history are undeniable.
Quotes by Johann Most
The god of the Christians, as we have seen, is the god who makes promises only to break them; who sends them pestilence and disease in order to heal them; a god who demoralizes mankind in order to improve it.
Whoever looks at America will see: the ship is powered by stupidity, corruption, or prejudice.
As set forth by theologians, the idea of ‘God’ is an argument that assumes its own conclusions, and proves nothing.
It is the lash of hunger which compels the poor man to submit. In order to live he must sell – ‘voluntarily’ sell – himself every day and hour to the ‘beast of property.’
Anarchists prepare for social revolution and use every means – speech, writing, or deed, whichever is more to the point; to accelerate revolutionary development.
Anarchists prepare for social revolution and use every means - speech, writing, or deed, whichever is more to the point; to accelerate revolutionary development.
Our principle is: to prevent all command over man by his fellowmen, to, make state, government, laws, or whatsoever form of compulsion existing, a thing of the past, to establish full freedom for all. Anarchism means first and foremost freedom from all government.
It is the lash of hunger which compels the poor man to submit. In order to live he must sell - 'voluntarily' sell - himself every day and hour to the 'beast of property.'
Among all mental diseases that have been systematically inoculated into the human cranium, the religious pest is the most abominable.
We need do no more than repeat: only under communism does the individual become himself and lead his own life.