Today, on May 30, we mark the birth anniversary of Mikhail Bakunin (1814–1876), one of the most powerful and uncompromising voices in the history of radical political thought. As a Russian revolutionary, philosopher, and one of the founders of modern anarchism, Bakunin devoted his life to the fight against tyranny in all its forms—whether from the state, the church, or capitalism.

A Revolutionary Rooted in Conviction
Bakunin’s strength came not from authority or institutions, but from his deep convictions. He firmly believed that a person is truly strong only when they stand upon their own truth—when they act and speak from the depths of their beliefs. This idea runs through all of his writings and actions. For Bakunin, real strength is moral strength, the courage to be authentic, even when it means defying systems of power.

The Heart of His Beliefs
Bakunin’s philosophy was grounded in a few core principles:

• True freedom and equality are inseparable: You cannot have one without the other.
• All forms of authority must be questioned: Whether political, religious, or economic, no power should be above scrutiny.
• Liberation must come from the people themselves: Freedom cannot be handed down from a government or elite—it must be built from below, through solidarity and direct action.

He famously wrote:

“The liberty of man consists in obeying the laws of nature, not in the commands of men.”

In other words, human beings should live according to natural reason and mutual respect, not under imposed laws or systems of domination.

Clash with Marx and Legacy in Anarchism
Though Bakunin shared with Karl Marx the goal of overthrowing capitalism, he broke sharply from Marx’s approach. Marx envisioned a “dictatorship of the proletariat”, but Bakunin warned that any state—even a socialist one—would inevitably become oppressive. He argued that centralized power always leads to control, and true liberation means dismantling the state entirely.

This division created a lasting split in socialist thought: between authoritarian socialism (Marxism) and libertarian socialism (anarchism). Bakunin’s legacy would deeply influence future anarchist movements, from labor struggles to anti-globalization activism.

A Life of Struggle
Bakunin lived much of his life in exile or prison, sacrificing comfort and safety to stay true to his ideals. He participated in revolts across Europe and inspired countless others through his passionate writings and speeches.

Despite the hardships, he never wavered. His life was a testimony to his belief that freedom was worth any cost—and that human dignity demanded resistance against all who sought to control or exploit others.

Recommended Reading: God and the State
To understand Bakunin’s thought more deeply, his unfinished but powerful work God and the State is essential. In it, he delivers a compelling critique of both religion and government, arguing that both serve to control and suppress human freedom. He challenges the very idea of a higher power—divine or political—dictating human behavior, and he calls for the liberation of humanity from all restrictive ideologies. The book remains one of the most accessible and impactful texts in anarchist literature.

Why Bakunin Still Matters
In a world still grappling with inequality, authoritarianism, and social injustice, Bakunin’s ideas remain deeply relevant. His fierce defense of individual liberty, his rejection of oppressive systems, and his belief in people’s capacity to build a better world from the ground up continue to inspire activists, thinkers, and ordinary citizens alike.

As we remember Mikhail Bakunin on his birth anniversary, we honor not just a man, but a vision—a world where people live free, equal, and unafraid, bound not by rulers, but by mutual respect and shared humanity.

“Freedom, morality, and the human dignity of the individual consist precisely in this: that he does good not because he is forced to do so, but because he freely conceives it, wants it, and loves it.”
— Mikhail Bakunin