Errico Malatesta

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Errico Malatesta (14 December 1853 – 22 July 1932) was an influential Italian anarchist. He spent much of his life advocating for anarchism, anarcho-communism, and the use of direct action to initiate social change. Malatesta's ideas and activism made him a prominent figure in the history of the anarchist movement.

Biography

Errico Malatesta was born in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, in the Kingdom of Italy, on December 14, 1853. He became involved in revolutionary activities from a young age, influenced by the works of Mikhail Bakunin and later by Peter Kropotkin, whose ideas on cooperative communism and mutual aid shaped his own ideological stance.

Throughout his life, Malatesta traveled extensively, promoting anarchist ideas in Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. He played a key role in various worker's movements and insurrections, always advocating for non-hierarchical and self-managed societal structures.

Philosophy and activism

Malatesta's philosophy centered around the belief that anarchism was the only form of social organization that allowed for personal and collective freedom. He argued that the state and capitalism were inherently oppressive and that only through their abolition could true social equality be achieved. His advocacy for direct action included organizing and supporting strikes, demonstrations, and, at times, insurrectionary activities.

He was also a prolific writer and editor, contributing to and founding numerous anarchist periodicals which played a crucial role in the spread of anarchist ideas. His writings emphasized the importance of solidarity, voluntary cooperation, and direct action in the struggle for a free society.

Later years and legacy

Malatesta continued his activism into his later years, despite numerous imprisonments and health challenges. He died on July 22, 1932, in Rome, Italy. His legacy as a committed anarchist and advocate for social justice continues to influence contemporary anarchist thought and movements worldwide.

Selected works

• Anarchy (1891)
• Between Peasants (1897)
• At the Café: Conversations on Anarchism (1920)

See also

• Anarchism in Italy
• History of anarchism
• List of anarchists