Samuel Edward Konkin III and the Philosophy of Agorism
Samuel Edward Konkin III, widely known by the moniker SEK3, was a Canadian-American writer and political theorist who sought to redefine the path toward a free society. A staunch advocate for radical libertarianism, Konkin is best remembered as the founder of agorism, a philosophy that emphasizes the use of non-violent, economic means to bypass and eventually replace the state.
Born on July 8, 1947, in Edmonton, Alberta, Konkin was educated at the University of Alberta. Throughout his life, he maintained a distinct personal identity, often dressing entirely in black to signal his anarchist beliefs. He was an atheist and a lifelong enthusiast of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
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Key Facts
- Founder of Agorism: Developed a strategy for a free society based on counter-economics.
- Major Work: Authored the New Libertarian Manifesto.
- Political Stance: Rejected voting and political parties as statist tools.
- Economic View: Opposed wage labor, intellectual property, and state interventionism.
- Lifespan: 1947–2004; born in Canada and died in West Los Angeles, California.
The Philosophy of Agorism
At the heart of Konkin's work is agorism, derived from the Greek word agora, meaning "market." Konkin envisioned a society where all human interactions are voluntary exchanges, free from the coercion of a centralized government.
Counter-Economics
Unlike traditional political movements, Konkin rejected voting and participation in the Libertarian Party, viewing them as inconsistent with libertarian ethics. Instead, he proposed counter-economics: the practice of moving economic activity into black and grey markets to avoid taxation and regulation.
By withdrawing consent from the state through these untaxed transactions, Konkin believed individuals could build a parallel society. This non-violent revolution would eventually render the state obsolete by starving it of the resources it requires to function.
Opposition to State Structures
Konkin's radicalism extended beyond the state's tax code. He was a vocal opponent of wage labor, intellectual property rights, imperialism, and interventionism. He also clashed with minarchist philosophers like Robert Nozick, whose followers Konkin dismissively referred to as "Nozis."
Literary and Community Contributions
Konkin was a prolific publisher, editing several periodicals including the New Libertarian Notes (1971–1975), the New Libertarian Weekly (1975–1978), and the New Libertarian magazine (1978–1990). His final issue of the magazine featured a tribute to science fiction and a cover by Robert A. Heinlein.
Outside of politics, Konkin was active in the science fiction and fantasy fanzine community, contributing to publications such as Alarums and Excursions. However, his time in this community was marked by controversy. He once published a drawing depicting Dungeons & Dragons creators being hanged in response to proposed rules that would have disadvantaged female characters. Later, Konkin proposed a "damsel" character archetype that was heavily criticized by other fans and writers for upholding gender stereotypes and objectifying women.
Controversies and Historical Revisionism
Konkin's commitment to absolute freedom of speech led to accusations of historical revisionism. Political theorist Ulrike Heider noted Konkin's association with the Institute for Historical Review (IHR), where he served on the board of directors and provided advertising space in his magazine.
While Konkin personally rejected Holocaust denial, he defended the IHR on the grounds of free speech. Critics point to his positive review of James J. Martin's book—specifically a chapter describing claims of mass murder of Jews as "orchestrated propaganda"—as evidence of his alignment with revisionist views.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Philosophy | Agorism |
| Core Strategy | Counter-economics (Black/Grey markets) |
| Key Publication | New Libertarian Manifesto |
| Political Method | Non-participation in voting/state politics |
| Personal Beliefs | Atheism, Anarchism |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is agorism?
Agorism is a social and political philosophy founded by Samuel Edward Konkin III that advocates for a society based on voluntary exchanges. It seeks to achieve a free market (agora) through the use of counter-economics.
What is counter-economics?
Counter-economics refers to all peaceful economic activities that are conducted outside the control of the state, such as black and grey market transactions, to avoid taxation and regulation.
Why did Konkin oppose voting?
Konkin believed that voting was inconsistent with libertarian ethics and that participating in the political process served to legitimize the state rather than dismantle it.
What was the New Libertarian Manifesto?
The New Libertarian Manifesto is the foundational text of agorism, outlining Konkin's strategy for achieving a stateless society through economic withdrawal and the creation of alternative market structures.
How did Konkin view wage labor?
Konkin opposed wage labor, viewing it as a non-market or anti-libertarian arrangement that he believed would disappear in a truly free society.