September 14, 2006 Source: :
http://www.sfu.ca/mediapr/news_releases/archives/news09140601.htm Historian advocates anarchy One day after the brutal violence at Dawson College in Montreal, many people might take exception to 19th century anarchist Michael Bakunin’s sentiment that "passion for destruction is a creative passion." But SFU historian Mark Leier says the philosophy of anarchism’s first major thinker is misunderstood; Leier is re-examining the 19th century philosopher’s work in his new book Bakunin: The Creative Passion. In this departure from his earlier focus on labour history, Leier argues that contemporary society greatly misunderstands true anarchism. Leier describes the theory as "the most dynamic and radical critique of our contemporary world, as it challenges the orthodoxies of the day and challenges us to re-think how we live in the face of global capitalism and the surveillance state." Leier adds: "In a period when many people are disenchanted with mainstream politics, anarchism has returned as an important philosophy, especially among young people. For that reason, examining Bakunin’s ideas and life can tell us something important about our own society." Leier, the director of the centre for Labour Studies at SFU, will talk about his new book and sign copies at a book launch on Wednesday, September 20, 7:30 p.m., Alma VanDusen Room, Central Library, Vancouver. Admission is free. — electronic photo file available —
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