The privileged man, whether he be privileged politically or economically, is a man depraved in intellect and heart

The privileged man, whether he be privileged politically or economically, is a man depraved in intellect and heart

Mikhail Bakunin, a Russian revolutionary and anarchist thinker, was a staunch critic of privilege in all its forms. He believed that those who held political or economic power were inherently corrupt and morally bankrupt. In his view, the privileged man was not only depraved in intellect but also in heart, lacking empathy and compassion for those less fortunate.

Bakunin argued that privilege created a system of inequality and oppression that benefited the few at the expense of the many. He believed that those who held power were more concerned with maintaining their own status and wealth than with the well-being of society as a whole. This selfishness and greed, according to Bakunin, led to a moral decay that corrupted the privileged man's intellect and heart.

For Bakunin, the privileged man was blinded by his own privilege, unable to see the suffering and injustice that his actions caused. He believed that those in power were disconnected from the realities of everyday life for the majority of people, leading to a lack of understanding and empathy for those who were marginalized and oppressed.

Bakunin's critique of privilege was rooted in his belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. He believed that all people were entitled to the same rights and opportunities, regardless of their social or economic status. Privilege, in his view, was a barrier to true equality and justice, perpetuating a system of exploitation and domination.