Georges Sorel

About the Author

Georges Sorel (1847-1922) was a French philosopher, revolutionary theorist, and engineer whose provocative ideas profoundly influenced syndicalism, Marxism, and early 20th-century political thought. Initially trained as a civil engineer, Sorel shifted to intellectual pursuits in his later years, critiquing bourgeois society and advocating for direct action by the working class through revolutionary unions. His writings blended philosophy, sociology, and mythology, emphasizing the power of myths to mobilize masses for social transformation. Sorel's engagement with figures like Bergson and his sympathy for both Lenin and Mussolini highlighted his complex, often contradictory legacy as a thinker who inspired both left-wing and fascist movements. Despite his influence, Sorel remains a polarizing figure, celebrated for his insights into violence and ideology in labor struggles.