The Conquest of Bread

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23428

Title

The Conquest of Bread

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A revolutionary idyl outlining a future society based on liberty, equality, and fraternity, this work studies humanity's needs and the economic means to satisfy them. Kropotkin argues for Anarchist Communism, where all produce and share, transforming labor into agreeable work and ending the exploitation of the few by the many.

Summary up to 500 words

In *The Conquest of Bread*, Peter Kropotkin offers a revolutionary critique of the capitalist system, arguing that it artificially hoards wealth while causing mass starvation. He contends that history demonstrates humanity has long practiced communal ownership of land and production, traditions destroyed only by modern industrialization and state monopolies favoring the nobility and middle classes. Kropotkin envisions a future society where all citizens receive education and leisure to pursue science and art, free from the drudgery of mere survival. The book proposes a decentralized model of production where agriculture and industry are integrated. Through voluntary association and free agreement, communities could produce abundant food, clothing, and housing with minimal labor. Kropotkin details how modern science and machinery can drastically reduce the work required for sustenance, freeing people for creative pursuits and a life of ease. He addresses common objections to Communism, refuting claims that it is impractical or contrary to human nature. Instead, he emphasizes solidarity and the power of collective initiative, urging a social revolution led by the working people themselves to seize the means of production. Kropotkin illustrates the feasibility of this vision through practical examples. He argues that with intensive culture and the use of glass houses, even in climates like London, humanity could produce all necessary fruits and vegetables with only a fraction of the current labor hours. He challenges the reliance on patents and state control, which he views as obstacles to invention and progress. Instead, he advocates for vast industrial laboratories open to all inquirers and a culture where manual and intellectual work are combined. He asserts that art and science will only flourish when freed from mercenary bondage and the stifling influence of the state and capital, allowing them to serve the common good. Ultimately, the book is a call to awaken the 'boldness of initiative' within the masses, fostering a new society based on liberty, equality, and fraternity where production serves the needs of all rather than the profit of a few.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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2026-07-05 08:11 UTC

Categories

• Philosophy
• Politics