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

Goldman would have an incredibly negative reaction to those who believe fully in the thick self. In the debate between the moderns and the ancients, Goldman would definitely be a modern because she believes in the free thinker and the non-conformist. All of Goldman’s ideas point towards the thin self, a free thinking individual that is not defined by society’s limitations. On the other hand, a thick self is someone who conforms to the sets and limitations that have been imposed upon them. The thick self believes in the government, exactly the opposite of the anarchist’s ideal. Goldman disagrees with the thick self because it is exactly opposite of what she believes in; conformism, deindividualization, and communistic ideals.

The thin self, according to Goldman, is the far superior choice because it promotes individual thinking and non conformist actions. Because Goldman is an anarchist, she believes in the complete removal of all societal limitations and policies, making her a thin self. The thin self promotes a life separate from conformity and recognizes that their personal identity is not defined by what society dictates. Goldman believes in the thin self in order to promote a society free of government, religion, conformity, etcetera.