Meaning: "Idealism is the despot of thought, just as politics is the despot of will" is a thought-provoking quote by Mikhail Bakunin, a prominent Russian revolutionary and anarchist thinker. This quote encapsulates Bakunin's critique of both idealism and politics, suggesting that they hold an authoritarian and dominating influence over the realms of thought and will.

In understanding this quote, it is important to first grasp the meaning of idealism in the context of philosophy. Idealism is a philosophical perspective that emphasizes the primacy of ideas, mind, or spirit in the interpretation of the world. It often posits that the material world is secondary to the realm of ideas and that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual in nature. Bakunin's characterization of idealism as the despot of thought suggests that he sees it as a force that exerts authoritarian control over the domain of intellectual inquiry and understanding.

Bakunin's critique of idealism can be understood within the broader context of his anarchist philosophy. As an anarchist, Bakunin was deeply critical of any form of authority or domination, whether it be political, social, or intellectual. From his perspective, idealism, with its emphasis on abstract ideas and concepts, can be seen as a form of intellectual domination that suppresses the diversity of human thought and experience. By labeling idealism as the despot of thought, Bakunin is highlighting the restrictive and coercive nature of this philosophical perspective.

Moreover, Bakunin's comparison of idealism to politics as the despot of will draws attention to the authoritarian nature of political power. Politics, in this context, represents the realm of action, decision-making, and the exercise of power within society. By characterizing politics as the despot of will, Bakunin is suggesting that political authority has a dominating influence over individual and collective willpower. This aligns with his broader anarchist critique of hierarchical power structures and the subjugation of individual autonomy to the will of the state or ruling class.

In essence, Bakunin's quote serves as a powerful articulation of his anarchist worldview, which seeks to dismantle all forms of authority and domination, whether they manifest in the realm of ideas or in the sphere of political power. By drawing parallels between the despotism of idealism in thought and the despotism of politics in will, Bakunin challenges his audience to critically examine the ways in which authority and domination operate in both the intellectual and political realms.

From a historical perspective, Bakunin's critique of idealism and politics can be situated within the context of the 19th century, a time of profound social, political, and intellectual upheaval. As a revolutionary figure, Bakunin was deeply engaged in the political struggles of his time, advocating for the overthrow of existing power structures and the establishment of a stateless society based on voluntary cooperation and mutual aid. In this context, his critique of idealism and politics can be seen as a part of his larger project of challenging and dismantling oppressive systems of control and authority.

In conclusion, Mikhail Bakunin's quote "Idealism is the despot of thought, just as politics is the despot of will" encapsulates his critique of both idealism and politics as forces of authoritarian control and domination. By drawing attention to the restrictive nature of idealist thought and the dominating influence of political power, Bakunin challenges his audience to critically examine the ways in which authority operates in both the intellectual and political spheres. This quote serves as a powerful expression of Bakunin's anarchist philosophy and his commitment to the liberation of thought and will from oppressive systems of control.