Peter Kropotkin

Date of Birth: December 9, 1842

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: February 8, 1921

Biography

Peter Alexeyevich Kropotkin was a Russian geographer, economist, and one of the most influential figures in the anarchist movement. Born into an aristocratic family, Kropotkin renounced his title and devoted his life to revolutionary causes, advocating for a society based on voluntary cooperation without government. His significant works include “The Conquest of Bread” and “Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution,” which argued against the notion of social Darwinism and emphasized cooperation over competition. Kropotkin’s theories have had a lasting impact on both anarchist theory and the broader socialist movements.

5 Interesting Facts about Peter Kropotkin

1. Kropotkin was born into a princely family but chose to abandon his title to live and work among the common people.

2. He was a talented geographer and his work in Siberia contributed significantly to the field, leading to his election to the Russian Geographical Society.

3. Kropotkin was imprisoned multiple times for his revolutionary activities but managed to escape from a Russian prison in 1876.

4. He spent a significant part of his life in exile, living in Switzerland, France, and the United Kingdom.

5. Despite his anarchist beliefs, Kropotkin returned to Russia after the February Revolution of 1917 but was critical of the Bolshevik government.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Peter Kropotkin

1. “To recognize all men as equals, to possess nothing of one’s own, to live for the good of all, and to work for free for others, this is the true life.”

2. “The law and authority are the greatest obstacles to the development of humanity.”

3. “Mutual aid is as much a law of animal life as mutual struggle.”

4. “The necessity of destroying the State is the first and foremost precondition of any real revolution.”

5. “The means of production must be taken from the hands of the few and returned to the hands of the many.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a revolutionary and anarchist, Peter Kropotkin did not accumulate wealth. His highest net worth was likely negligible, as he devoted his life to activism and writing rather than financial gain.

Children

Peter Kropotkin and his wife, Sophie Ananievna, had one daughter named Alexandra (Sasha) Kropotkin. She continued her father’s legacy by being active in social causes and translating his works into English.