Essay #100: Ruth Kinna, ‘Mutual Aid: What It Is and What It Is Not’

Peter Kropotkin's Mutual Aid explores the role of cooperation in evolution and society, challenging the prevailing notion of a solely competitive struggle for survival. Kropotkin argues that mutual aid, or cooperation, is a fundamental aspect of life, evident across various species and human societies. He uses numerous examples from natural history and human societies to illustrate how cooperation enhances survival and adaptation. The book's central thesis is that cooperation is not merely a secondary phenomenon but a primary driving force in evolution and social development. Kropotkin's work has had a lasting impact on anarchist thought and continues to inspire contemporary discussions on cooperation, social organization, and the potential for a more just and equitable society.

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's "Cancer Ward" is a powerful novel based on the author's own experiences with cancer. The story unfolds in a Soviet-era hospital ward, where patients from diverse backgrounds confront their illnesses and grapple with existential questions. Solzhenitsyn masterfully portrays the human spirit's resilience in the face of suffering and death. The novel explores themes of faith, hope, and the search for meaning amidst adversity. It's a profound exploration of the human condition, offering a unique perspective on illness and mortality.