Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution (Anarchist classics) - Softcover

His most influential work. A challenge to classical Darwinism, Kropotkin argues that in nature, co-operation is as important as competition. "Kropotkin profoundly influenced human biology by his theory of Mutual Aid., propounded as a counter-blast to the social conclusions drawn from the Darwinian 'struggle for existence.' He was one of the first systematic students of animal communities, and may be regarded as the founder of modern social ecology." [Alex Comfort] "I would hold that Kropotkin's basic argument is correct." [Stephen Jay Gould]

Short excerpt: Paucity of life under-population¿not over-population¿being the distinctive feature of that immense part of the globe which we name Northern Asia I conceived since then serious doubts¿which subsequent study has only confirmed¿as to the reality of that fearful competition for food and life within each species which was an article of faith with most Darwinists...