Meaning: The quote "He who negates present society, and seeks social conditions based on the sharing of property, is a revolutionary whether he calls himself an anarchist or a communist" by Johann Most encapsulates the idea that individuals who challenge the existing social order and advocate for the redistribution of property are inherently revolutionary, regardless of the specific ideology they align themselves with. This quote highlights the common ground between anarchism and communism in their shared critique of capitalist society and their vision for a more equitable and communal way of organizing social and economic relations.

Johann Most, a German-American anarchist, was a prominent figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his radical writings and activism. His quote reflects the broader historical context of social and political upheaval during this period, marked by the rise of revolutionary movements and the emergence of competing ideologies seeking to address the social and economic injustices of industrial capitalism.

The first part of the quote, "He who negates present society," underscores the revolutionary nature of challenging the status quo and rejecting the prevailing social and economic order. This negation of present society is often a fundamental aspect of revolutionary movements, as they seek to dismantle existing power structures and transform the conditions that perpetuate inequality and exploitation.

The second part of the quote, "and seeks social conditions based on the sharing of property," emphasizes the revolutionary impulse towards creating a more egalitarian and communal society. This notion of sharing property goes to the heart of the critique of private ownership and the unequal distribution of wealth and resources that characterize capitalist societies. It aligns with the core principles of both anarchism and communism, which envision alternative systems of property ownership and economic organization based on collective ownership and cooperation.

The concluding statement, "is a revolutionary whether he calls himself an anarchist or a communist," highlights the inclusive nature of revolutionary movements. Regardless of specific ideological labels, individuals who advocate for the redistribution of property and the transformation of social conditions are united in their revolutionary aspirations. This recognition of common purpose underscores the potential for solidarity and collaboration across ideological lines in pursuit of transformative social change.

In unpacking this quote, it is important to recognize the historical and ideological contexts that shaped Johann Most's perspective. The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed the rise of anarchist and communist movements as responses to the social dislocations and inequalities brought about by industrialization and the consolidation of capitalism. Both anarchism and communism offered alternative visions of social organization that critiqued private property and sought to create more equitable and participatory forms of economic and political life.

Anarchism, rooted in the principles of individual freedom and voluntary association, advocated for the abolition of the state and hierarchical forms of authority. Anarchists sought to create a society based on mutual aid, cooperation, and decentralized decision-making, where property would be collectively owned and managed by the community as a whole. This rejection of centralized power and the emphasis on direct action and grassroots organizing distinguished anarchism as a revolutionary force challenging the existing social order.

Communism, on the other hand, emerged as a response to the exploitation and alienation experienced by the working class under capitalism. Grounded in the ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, communism sought to overthrow the capitalist system and establish a classless society where the means of production and distribution would be collectively owned and managed for the benefit of all. This vision of a socialist society based on common ownership and the principle of "from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs" resonated with those who sought a fundamental restructuring of the existing economic and social relations.

Despite their divergent strategies and theoretical frameworks, both anarchism and communism shared a fundamental critique of capitalist society and a commitment to creating a more just and equitable world. Johann Most's quote reflects the recognition of this shared revolutionary spirit, emphasizing the common goal of challenging the existing social order and advocating for social conditions based on the sharing of property.

In conclusion, Johann Most's quote serves as a powerful reminder of the revolutionary potential inherent in the critique of present society and the pursuit of social conditions based on the sharing of property. It speaks to the enduring relevance of anarchist and communist visions of social transformation and the continued struggle for a more just and egalitarian world. By transcending specific ideological labels, this quote underscores the unity of purpose among those who seek to challenge the prevailing social and economic order and work towards a more equitable and communal future.

Overall, this quote offers a thought-provoking insight into the revolutionary ethos that transcends ideological boundaries and speaks to the enduring quest for social justice and collective liberation.