On Violence

Author: Georges Sorel
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Georges Sorel was born in the mid-19th century. As a political thinker and philosopher, he began writing relatively late, first focusing on scientifically ambiguous topics before turning to the study of the influence of the French Revolution. He had an interest in Marxism and was someone who regarded Marxism as a science. In this book, Sorel emphasizes the explanation of revolutionary syndicalism, particularly highlighting the significance of social myths. In Sorel's view, the social myth of the general strike can concentrate the strength of every member of the proletariat, mobilizing them to work toward their goals. Violence, for Sorel, is positive; although it imposes shackles on the working class, it also grants them the power to strive for liberation. Sorel does not discuss the truthfulness of myths but focuses on their effects, which raises some important questions for us, such as how we can judge the legitimacy of things beyond our intellectual reach, such as myths?