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It was not yet known how the Revolution would develop. But…

“It was not yet known how the Revolution would develop. But Upton supposed that the arguments of the philosophical anarchists were most convincing: society would fragmentise into independent, self-governing communities of mutually congenial individuals, requiring no police, no army, no guardians of…” quote by Joyce Carol Oates
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““It was not yet known how the Revolution would develop. But Upton supposed that the arguments of the philosophical anarchists were most convincing: society would fragmentise into independent, self-governing communities of mutually congenial individuals, requiring no police, no army, no guardians of morality, and no government. The old Deity being dead and dethroned, Humankind would come at last into power.””

Joyce Carol Oates

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Without a deity, humanity might form self‑governing, peaceful communities without coercive institutions.

In simple terms: Humans could self‑govern peacefully.

Key Takeaway

Explore decentralized community models.

Themes

anarchism self‑governance community philosophy future societies

Mood

speculative thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • political theory
  • social experiments
  • local governance

Key Concepts

mutual aid voluntary cooperation absence of authority

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can self‑governed societies handle large‑scale problems?
  • What safeguards prevent power vacuums?
A Different Perspective

Idealistic visions may overlook conflict and coordination challenges.

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