Proudhon (Pierre-Joseph Proudhon)

Pierre-Joseph Proudhon was a 19th-century French thinker, often considered the first to describe himself as an anarchist. He critiqued capitalism and state authority, advocating for a society based on mutualism—interpersonal exchanges and cooperative ownership without government control. Proudhon believed that property should be rooted in productive use, not hoarding or profit. His ideas emphasized decentralization, voluntary associations, and the importance of individual freedom within a framework of social responsibility. Though complex, his work helped shape modern discussions on anarchism, socialism, and economic justice.