Was Oscar Wilde an anarchist?

Oscar Wilde was a self-described anarchist. He wrote an essay called 'The Soul of Man Under Socialism', inspired by famous anarchist Peter Kropotkin, in which he espoused libertarian socialism. read more

Oscar Wilde was a self-described anarchist. He wrote an essay called 'The Soul of Man Under Socialism', inspired by famous anarchist Peter Kropotkin, in which he espoused libertarian socialism. read more

"The Soul of Man under Socialism" is an 1891 essay by Oscar Wilde in which he expounds a libertarian socialist worldview and a critique of charity. The writing of "The Soul of Man" followed Wilde's conversion to anarchist philosophy, following his reading of the works of Peter Kropotkin. read more

Oscar Wilde was a writer of unusual wit and ability. His praise of the individual and disgust at the injustices of England at the height of its power drove him towards an anarchist vision long before the trials of the 20th century would dim the dreams of many a left-wing idealist. read more