Social anarchism or lifestyle anarchism : an unbridgeable chasm

This book asks—and tries to answer—several basic questions that affect all Leftists today. Will anarchism remain a revolutionary social movement or become a chic boutique lifestyle subculture? Will its primary goals be the complete transformation of a hierarchical, class, and irrational society into a libertarian communist one? Or will it become an ideology focused on personal well-being, spiritual redemption, and self-realization within the existing society? In an era of privatism, kicks, introversion, and post-modernist nihilism, Murray Bookchin forcefully examines the growing nihilistic trends that threaten to undermine the revolutionary tradition of anarchism and co-opt its fragments into a harmless personalistic, yuppie ideology of social accommodation that presents no threat to the existing powers that be. Includes the essay, "The Left That Was." Booknews An updated edition (first, 1991) of comprehensive scope, covering everything from anatomy and hormones to STDs, gender roles, sexual abuse, and communication in a manner that is scientifically-based yet warm. Includes a study guide, ample references, and a glossary. Straightforward b&w illustrations, with a few in color. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) "This book asks - and tries to answer - several basic questions that affect all Leftists today. Will anarchism remain a revolutionary social movement or become a chic boutique lifestyle subculture? Will its primary goals be the complete transformation of a hierarchical, class, and irrational society into a libertarian communist one? Or will it become an ideology focused on personal well-being, spiritual redemption, and self-realization within the existing society?" "In an era of privatism, kicks, introversion, and postmodernist nihilism, Murray Bookchin forcefully examines the growing nihilistic trends that threaten to undermine the revolutionary tradition of anarchism and co-opt its fragments into a harmless personalistic, yuppie ideology of social accommodation that presents no threat to the existing powers that be. This small book, tightly reasoned and documented, should be of interest to all radicals in the "postmodern age," socialists as well as anarchists, for whom the Left seems in hopeless disarray."--BOOK JACKET This book asks—and tries to answer—several basic questions that affect all Leftists today. Will anarchism remain a revolutionary social movement or become a chic boutique lifestyle subculture? Will its primary goals be the complete transformation of a hierarchical, class, and irrational society into a libertarian communist one? Or will it become an ideology focused on personal well-being, spiritual redemption, and self-realization within the existing society? In an era of privatism, kicks, introversion, and post-modernist nihilism, Murray Bookchin forcefully examines the growing nihilistic trends that threaten to undermine the revolutionary tradition of anarchism and co-opt its fragments into a harmless personalistic, yuppie ideology of social accommodation that presents no threat to the existing powers that be. Includes the essay, "The Left That Was." (Source: [AK Press](https://www.akpress.org/socialanarchismorlifestyleanarchism.html)) A Short Note to the Reader Social Anarchism or Lifestyle Anarchism The Left That Was: A Personal Reflection