Requiem for the American Dream: The 10 Principles of Concentration of Wealth & Power

Chomsky’s argument in Requiem for the American Dream fits within the larger framework of anarchism—more specifically, anarcho-syndicalism, an ideology and social movement that influenced Chomsky’s philosophy and informed his broader political outlook. While historians struggle to both trace the roots and agree on a common definition of anarchism, anarcho-syndicalism is a comparatively new yet better-defined development under the umbrella of anarchism.

Chomsky’s most profound inspiration is political philosopher Rudolf Rocker’s vision for anarcho-syndicalism. In his book Anarcho-Syndicalism: Theory and Practice, Rocker argues that, within a capitalist society, workers can most effectively challenge authority through forming unions and syndicates. In other words, solidarity, democracy, and direct action—which support activism and organization—are the most effective tools for workers (and other lower classes) to consolidate power.

In the preface to Rocker’s book, Chomsky reveals that the content of Rocker’s writing inspired him to envision a “much better world” as a young adult (Rocker, Anarcho-Syndicalism, vi). Profoundly moved by the ideals he found in Rocker’s writing, Chomsky believes to this day that salvation doesn’t come above but from the hard work of everyday workers struggling for liberation. Chomsky holds that this is especially true now that authorities wield enough power to annihilate humanity. Only workers moving in solidarity can hope to build a future where power, freedom, and justice reflect the rights of every individual. Only then can society boast about achieving humane ethical standards.

Anarcho-syndicalism, as Rocker envisioned it, isn’t utopian but reflects the unlimited perfectibility of human nature and the continuous struggle to improve the human condition. Chomsky’s writing parrots this idea, which despite painting a bleak modern picture of near total corporate control, nonetheless ends on an optimistic note for organization and activism.

Rocker’s work employs left-wing language and paradigms traditionally associated with Marxism and socialism. For example, he depicts the struggles of working-class citizens as the inevitable consequence of operating under a capitalist system. In addition, he considers liberation of the working class essential. Although both anarchism and anarcho-syndicalism are traditionally associated with left-wing movements—and some historians consider anarchism on the extreme left of the political spectrum—Chomsky doesn’t consider his vision extraordinarily radical. In Principle 10 of Requiem for the American Dream, he likens the anarchical definition of democracy to that of classical liberal thought during the European Enlightenment. In addition, he points out how social welfare programs based on sympathy and solidarity are desirable in both schools of thought.

Chomsky reprises the same paradigms and employs similar language to Rocker’s in Requiem for the American Dream. However, considering their work purely through a Marxist lens would be misleading. In Anarcho-Syndicalism, Rocker divorces his vision from communist anarchism by focusing on workers as the ultimate source of liberation. This view reflects Rocker’s critique of Marxist-Leninism, which he considers needlessly hierarchical and oppressive. Chomsky also rejects bolshevism and other left-wing systems that operate purely from the top down. Consequently, while a deeper understanding of Marxist ideology and terminology might provide an informative background, one can best understand Chomsky’s work as belonging to the anarchist school of thought.