ENGL 298 B: Intermediate Writing Social Sciences   Autumn 2011, University of Washington

Emma Goldman would absolutely hate the idea of thick selves. Emma Goldman preaches on individualism and the idea of being “defined by your commitment” is not appealing to Goldman. Emma Goldman would argue that if everyone were being defined by his or her commitments there would be no individual growth. She would say that the community would never grow. It would be stuck in a rut. The “thick self” view is all about doing your job so that others may prosper. At the idea of working for the government’s benefit, Goldman would laugh, and say “how preposterous!” Goldman wants people to be recognized for what they have done, she says, “Anarchism is the only philosophy which brings to man the consciousness of himself.” With a “thick self” society this could never happen. There is no self-glorification. Everything is done not for one’s self, but for others. Every Later Goldman goes on to say that, “God, the state, and society are non-existent, that their promises are null and void, since they can be filled only through man’s subordination.” Goldman would hate to succumb to anyone or anything. She has a mind of her own and she hates any authority especially government authority. She thinks that all governments are coercive. Goldman urges citizens to defy government.
On the other hand, Goldman would advocate the “thin self” idea. Goldman believes that individuals should be free to choose. She believes that individuals should be free to work out their own social order. As free individuals we should be able to pick and choose our roles in society and our commitments. Goldman wants freedom, expansion, opportunity, peace, and repose. She wants separation from the “real me” and my roles.