Pierre-Joseph Proudhon

Pierre-Joseph Proudhon (1809-1865) was a French philosopher and socialist known for his foundational role in anarchist thought. He famously declared that "property is theft," arguing that private ownership leads to exploitation and inequality. Proudhon advocated for a society based on mutualism, where people cooperate voluntarily and share resources equitably without centralized authority. His ideas emphasized the importance of direct democracy, local self-governance, and workers’ control over production. Proudhon's vision laid the groundwork for various anarchist movements, influencing later thinkers and activists who sought to challenge hierarchical systems and promote freedom and equality.