If you're looking for a book that will challenge your beliefs, inspire you to fight for change, and give you a glimpse into the radical counterculture of the 1960s and 70s, then look no further than Abbie Hoffman's Steal This Book. Originally published in 1971, this book was a manifesto for a generation of activists who sought to upend the status quo and create a new society based on freedom, equality, and justice.
What is Steal This Book?
Steal This Book is a guide to survival in the midst of a capitalist society that is corrupt, oppressive, and exploitative. It is a call to arms for those who want to break free from the chains of consumerism and materialism, and to live a life that is authentic, meaningful, and fulfilling. Hoffman's book is a compendium of practical advice on everything from dumpster diving to shoplifting, from making your own clothes to growing your own food. It is a manual for living off the grid, for finding freedom in the margins, and for creating a new world from the ashes of the old.
The Legacy of Steal This Book
Despite being written over 50 years ago, Steal This Book remains a powerful and influential text that continues to resonate with readers today. Its message of resistance, subversion, and nonconformity has inspired countless activists, artists, and revolutionaries, and its practical advice on living outside of the mainstream has helped many people find a more authentic and fulfilling way of life.
What's Inside Steal This Book?
The book is divided into several sections, each covering a different aspect of life in a capitalist society. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to find:
| Section | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Introduction | An overview of the book's themes and a call to arms for readers |
| Free Food | How to find and prepare food for free, including tips on dumpster diving and foraging |
| Free Clothing | How to make your own clothes, find free clothing, and avoid the fashion industry |
| Free Housing | How to live rent-free, find alternative housing, and create your own community |
| Free Medical Care | How to take care of your health without relying on the medical establishment |
| Free Communication | How to communicate freely and anonymously, including tips on encryption and avoiding surveillance |
| Free Transportation | How to get around without a car, including tips on hitchhiking and bike culture |
| Free Money | How to live without money, including tips on bartering, trading, and creating your own currency |
| Free Education | How to educate yourself outside of the mainstream system, including tips on self-directed learning and alternative schools |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Steal This Book illegal?
- Is Steal This Book still relevant today?
- Can I download Steal This Book as a PDF?
No, but some of the advice in the book could be considered illegal or unethical. It's up to the reader to decide how to use the information in the book.
Absolutely. While some of the specific advice in the book may be outdated, the book's overall message of resistance and nonconformity remains as relevant as ever.
Yes, you can find a PDF of the book online. However, we do not endorse or encourage illegal activity.
Conclusion
Steal This Book is a powerful and provocative work that challenges readers to think differently about the world around them. Whether you're an activist, an artist, or just someone who's looking for a way to live more authentically, this book is a must-read. So go ahead and steal it (figuratively speaking, of course) – you won't regret it.
Download Steal This Book by Abbie Hoffman in PDF format here.
Reference:
Hoffman, Abbie. Steal This Book. Pirate Editions, 1971.
