Michael Malice03 June 2021

Is Anarchy The Answer? - Michael Malice - #329

0Frameworks

10Insights

Insights & moments

The myth-busts, hot takes, explainers, and tools worth keeping.

Myth Buster· 1

Myth Buster08:30

The Myth of Objective Law

Michael Malice challenges the idea that law can be objective, citing a law professor's essay showing that all legal judgments are influenced by the worldview of the adjudicator. This undermines the claim that a single legal system is necessary for fairness.

Objective law is impossible, even in theory.
Judges inevitably bring their worldview to rulings.
Different legal systems can coexist fairly if agreed upon in advance.
The state monopoly on law doesn't guarantee justice.

“The idea of objective law is not only false in reality — it's literally impossible even in theory.”
Michael Malice · 09:00

#law#anarchism#legal philosophy

Hot Take· 1

Hot Take57:00

Corporate Media Is Losing Legitimacy

Malice argues that corporate media lost credibility during the pandemic by censoring debate and later admitting they were wrong. He believes this has accelerated public skepticism and the rise of alternative information networks.

Facebook and Twitter punished people for expressing plausible views on COVID origins.
Those views are now considered reasonable.
No apology or recompense was given to those censored.
This has fueled distrust and alternative platforms.

“They're dropping their fact-checking on the origin of COVID. Now to be like 'oh yeah, maybe we were wrong' — that's an enormous amount of…”
Michael Malice · 57:30

#media#censorship#trust

Explainer· 3

Explainer04:30

Anarchy Is Citizenship Based on Ideology, Not Geography

Michael Malice defines anarchy as a system where affiliation is based on shared beliefs rather than physical location. He explains that just as phone networks work across borders, protection and governance could be chosen based on personal values rather than state-imposed boundaries.

Anarchy means people choose governance based on ideology, not where they live.
Just like phone carriers work across regions, protection services could too.
Governments currently claim authority based on geography, not consent.
Diplomats and tourists already exist outside full jurisdiction of host countries.

“Anarchism is the belief that citizenship is better when based on ideology than on geography.”
Michael Malice · 04:30

#anarchy#governance#political philosophy

Explainer11:00

How Disputes Are Resolved Without Government

Malice compares dispute resolution in an anarchist society to platforms like eBay, where private arbitration is fast, cheap, and effective. He argues that competition among arbitration services would make justice more accessible than the current state system.

Private arbitration already exists and works efficiently.
eBay resolves disputes in seconds without lawyers.
Competition would make dispute resolution cheaper and faster.
Credit scores and reputation systems would enforce compliance.

“eBay steps in and either gives me the refund or says I'm out of luck. I don't have to buy a lawyer.”
Michael Malice · 12:00

#dispute resolution#anarchism#private arbitration

Explainer18:00

How an Anarchist Society Defends Against Invasion

Malice argues that an anarchist society wouldn't be easy to conquer, citing examples like Afghanistan and Vietnam. He notes that decentralized, armed populations are harder to subdue than centralized states.

Anarchist societies can still defend themselves.
Widespread gun ownership makes invasion costly.
Historical examples show decentralized resistance works.
The idea that anarchists would be 'conquered immediately' is nonsensical.

“It's much harder to invade and conquer an area where everyone is armed and trained in using their weaponry.”
Michael Malice · 19:30

#anarchism#defense#military

Story· 2

Story24:00

How I Self-Published a Bestseller in 3.5 Months

Michael Malice shares how he self-published 'The Anarchist Handbook' in just three and a half months, beating major authors on Amazon. He highlights the benefits of creative control, instant updates, and direct audience connection.

Published the book in 3.5 months without a traditional publisher.
Became #1 non-fiction book on Amazon, beating Obama and Dr. Seuss.
Print-on-demand allows instant typo fixes.
Proves individuals can compete with corporate publishing.

“I was number three. This guy Obama — you might have heard of him — Oprah Winfrey — you might have heard of her —…”
Michael Malice · 25:00

#self-publishing#authorship#creator economy

Story45:00

How a Medication Dropped My IQ by 30 Points

Malice recounts how doubling his dose of an anticholinergic drug caused severe fatigue, memory loss, and cognitive fog — symptoms that reversed when he stopped taking it. The experience gave him a terrifying glimpse into cognitive decline.

Doubled dose of medication led to drowsiness and memory loss.
Forgot simple words like 'Blackpool' and struggled to speak.
Realized the drug was an anticholinergic, which impairs cognition.
Recovery was fast, but the experience was profoundly unsettling.

“I had managed to knock 30 points off my IQ and basically fucked myself to this state where I couldn't remember Blackpool.”
Michael Malice · 48:30

#health#cognitive decline#medication

Q&A· 2

Q&A06:30

Why I Refuse to Vote

Michael Malice explains that voting legitimizes a system he doesn't consent to. He argues that by voting, you give politicians authority to represent you, making you complicit when they betray their promises.

Voting is a ritual that validates state violence and war.
If you vote, you have no right to complain when politicians break promises.
He avoids complicity in a system he doesn't believe in.
There are better ways to contribute, like mentoring or helping the hungry.

“If I vote, I have no right to complain. I said I want this person to represent me.”
Michael Malice · 06:30

#voting#anarchism#political dissent

Q&A16:00

What About Kids in an Anarchist Society?

When asked how child protection would work without a state, Malice admits it's one of the hardest questions for anarchism. He acknowledges the current foster system is broken and doesn't claim to have a perfect answer, but argues no system handles it well.

Child protection is a major challenge for anarchist theory.
Current state systems often fail children in foster care.
No political system has a perfect solution.
The goal is to avoid making the problem worse.

“That's a tough one under any scenario. The foster kid system is certainly less than ideal.”
Michael Malice · 16:30

#anarchism#child protection#ethics

Takeaway· 1

Takeaway38:30

Giving Voice to Forgotten Anarchists

Malice shares the emotional impact of resurrecting forgotten anarchist thinkers through his book. He feels humbled and responsible for bringing their ideas to a modern audience.

Many early anarchists were marginalized or killed for their views.
His book brings forgotten figures like Louis Lingg and Albert Parsons back to life.
He sees it as a moral duty to preserve their legacy.
Their stories are both inspiring and haunting.

“To have his voice permeate through the decades — and I'm the one who made this happen — is very intense.”
Michael Malice · 39:30

#anarchism#history#social justice