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The Ego and His Own

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description The Ego and His Own Overview

The Ego and His Own (German: Der Einzige und sein Eigentum) is a philosophical treatise by Max Stirner, the pen name of Johann Kaspar Schmidt, first published in 1844. The work argues that all social, religious, and ideological institutions are illusory constraints on the individual, whom Stirner terms the 'unique one.' It rejects fixed moral abstractions and collective causes in favor of voluntary association and self-interest. The book is a foundational text of egoist anarchism and prompted a critical response from Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in The German Ideology.

help The Ego and His Own FAQ

Who wrote the philosophical treatise The Ego and His Own?

The book was written by Max Stirner, which was the pen name of German philosopher Johann Kaspar Schmidt. It was originally published in German under the title Der Einzige und sein Eigentum in 1844.

What is the main argument of The Ego and His Own?

The work argues that all social, religious, and ideological institutions are illusory constraints on the individual. Stirner advocates for an extreme form of individualism and egoism, stating that the individual's desires should be the only law.

When was The Ego and His Own first published?

The philosophical treatise was first published in Germany in the year 1844. It became a highly influential text for later anarchist and individualist philosophers.

What philosophical movement is Max Stirner associated with?

Max Stirner is heavily associated with individualist anarchism and post-Hegelian thought. His arguments in The Ego and His Own challenged the foundational assumptions of both the state and contemporary radical movements.

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