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“It’s not about convincing anyone, it’s about opening our eyes.” A new review of Revolt and Crisis in Greece

Posted on September 22nd, 2011 in Reviews of AK Books

A while back we put out a call for reviews from you, good people. We love to hear what you think about the titles that we love to labor over, and find out how they impact you. In turn, your reviews help spread the word about the things we publish because well, we think they’re great.

Here’s a thoughtful review of Revolt and Crisis in Greece: Between a Present Yet to Pass and a Future Still to Come, courtesy of AK ally Luigi Celentano.

As always, check out the Occupied London blog for some of the most up-to-date analysis on the situation in Greece.

Revolt and Crisis in Greece: Between a Present Yet to Pass and a Future Still to Come (AK Press / Occupied London)

If there is something I can say about this book is that it is a MUST read for anyone willing to comprehend the situation in Greece, be them anarchist or not.

The variey of viewpoints, the deep analyses of its authors is remarkable. It’s an invaluable insight into a revolt that dares not die.

Having been in Athens just lately, and experiencing the protests first-hand and participating in them, the same feeling of hope and resistance that swells the streets is conveyed by this book. You can feel it in the air, as in every page turn.

It also draws an important conclusion —despite the inconclusivess of the current state of affairs—: mainly, that we need and must remain united, that no creed, ideology or stance can save us if we are not in solidarity with each other. After all, aren’t we all affected by this capitalist crisis?

For me, the anarchist principle of solidarity must govern these days as never before. Let’s every action we undertake, be it out there in the streets or deep inside our hearts, be a glimpse into the future. Let us not look into the past with worshipping glory, but with a learning eye, in order to build this present, and its subsequent future, out of the ruins of capitalist empire.

It’s not about convincing anyone, it’s about opening our eyes. This book is essential to learning and understanding both the Greek crisis and the capitalist merciless regime we are living under, and offers hope to anyone willing to move forward —albeit not without a fight.

Despite capitalism’s endless wars and crackdowns, it is right there on the brink of falling into the abyss of History. “After all, the wounded animal will sometimes grind its teeth; a show of force can be sign of desperation.” Let’s give it the final push, shall we?

“Just as the metaphysics of Western civilisation was born in Athens, so it must die there. May something more beautiful emerge in its wake.”

No better words than that.

Luigi, from Buenos Aires.-