God and the State


Read by Carl Manchester

(4.6 stars; 102 reviews)

God and the State is Mikhail Bakunin's seminal exploration of the relationship between religion and authority, presenting a radical critique of both the state and organized religion. In this influential work, Bakunin argues that the two institutions are intertwined, both serving to suppress individual freedom and autonomy.

Originally titled Dieu et l'état, this text was intended to be part of a larger unfinished work addressing the socio-political landscape of his time. Bakunin's insights challenge the foundations of power and belief, making a case for a society free from the constraints imposed by both the divine and the state.

With its profound philosophical inquiries and revolutionary spirit, God and the State remains a crucial text for understanding anarchist thought and the critique of authority. Bakunin's passionate prose invites readers to reconsider the role of faith and governance in their lives, making it a thought-provoking listen for anyone interested in philosophy, politics, and religion.

Chapters

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Chapter 00 2:52 Read by Carl Manchester
Chapter 01 33:38 Read by Carl Manchester
Chapter 02 49:24 Read by Carl Manchester
Chapter 03 33:24 Read by Carl Manchester
Chapter 04 49:23 Read by Carl Manchester
Chapter 05 24:49 Read by Carl Manchester

Reviews

Very radical and very well read!


(5 stars)

An anarchist and radical text for generations, this book makes one of the clearest statements of the anarchist philosophy of history: religion by its nature is an impoverishment, enslavement, and annihilation of humanity. Many thanks to CarlManchester for his sedate and meticulous reading of Bakunin’s radical ideas with which not everybody will agree. Very well worth listening to.

Significant


(4 stars)

These ideas represent the rejection of tradition common at the time and are worth a listen. The recording is alright, but it's very quiet.

A Stone Classic!


(5 stars)

In a truly free democracy this book would be read by eighth graders! Aye, the true history of America (and the world), is the struggle between the few, self-righteous, ruthless haves and the have nots seeking a sane world in which their needs and wants can be realized, i.e., A People's History to be read by 4th graders! We need a cultural renaissance! A news media which speaks truth to power. An entertainment media which eschews senseless violence and psy-ops in favor of educational material which uplifts the community and encourages the pursuit of knowledge! I love this book, the wonderful reader, and the marvelous Librivox! I must toss you ducats! I'll also volunteer because I love to read and share! Cheers!

Thanks for reading


(5 stars)

Very well read. A point of view I've almost never heard in our schools. And our readings of Marx were very short on anarchism and critiques of these other philosophers.


(2.5 stars)

a bit disjointed and i wanted some more state and less science from this text, but interesting passages nonetheless. also has (sadly) the amount of antisemitism one would expect from bakunin

My first introduction to anarchism


(5 stars)

Though there are a few instances that feel a little dense, very well crafted argument and a pleasure to read.


(5 stars)

Outstanding. And Carl Manchester as a narrator is a gift to those of us who enjoy political philosophy making difficult passages comprehensible.


(4.5 stars)

Great book! Well read as well. Only negative is the volume is verrrryyy low