Reflecting on time with Murray Bookchin, the last great Anarchist of the 20th century.

I sure miss Murray Bookchin.

He was the last greatest Green Anarchist of the 20th century.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murray_Bookchin

Yes, Murray was a piece of work, cantankerous, overbearing, a real warrior by the time I met and studied with Murray in 1990, he had become disillusioned by the state of ecological politics.

But he still tried, to show that there were alternatives, to how an ecological society was possible.

And at that time we had affinity groups, study groups, there was some energy and life left in the ecological movement.

There was nothing quite like going to Murray's small apartment, where he taught us the history of philosophy, read from his yet to be published manuscripts.

Murray could be intimidating to those uncomfortable with really engaging in discourse, but I loved every minute with Murray.

Murray still wanted to believe that somehow the ecological crisis would bring about a revolution that would fundamentally change how we relate to each other and nature.

Once I asked Murray what it might be like if there was a revolution, how would we relate with each other.

Murray seemed to look off into space, then he looked at me beaming, a twinkle in his eye, and said something like people might choose to sing to each other instead of speak.

In that moment I saw Murray's heart, his love, I will never forget that moment.

Imagine a world where we communicated by singing to each other. Just beautiful.

But sadly by 92 the ecological movement seemed to dissipate. At that point Murray felt all he had worked for in his life would not come to pass.

Activists were selling out for academic careers, big business co opted green language, painting themselves as eco friendly. The Burlington Greens fell apart.

Last I saw Murray he was on Church St. in Burlington in his electric wheelchair. I helped him to where he was currently living.

But he was a man who could no longer see hope. He showed me his apartment. I looked at him and just felt so sad, for Murray, for humanity, for this planet.

I think by now this was 92. An era of activism felt over. This was the last I saw Murray, he retreated in his old age, he disengaged from politics, at least publicly.

Murray died in 2006. His long time partner Janet Biel at his side.

I took a more inward spiritual journey after this time period. But Murray has come back to me vividly recently, maybe it is not too late.

I am keeping a space open in my heart for change. It is painful to do so, but feels necessary.

I am praying. And I guess I am speaking out. I doubt anyone will listen. I don’t have the answers, but I think I know some of the questions that need to be addressed. To the degree these words have any truth or merit, I credit Murray.

I wish I could give Murray the praise he deserves. But that’s a task I am not worthy of. But my time with Murray still lives on in me. Th

He gave me one of the greatest gifts of my life, how to critically examine anything and everything, and even if the world is against you to follow your principles and keep the torch of freedom blazing.

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Written by David Penn Arndt.