Gerrard Winstanley was a prominent English religious thinker and leader of the Diggers movement during the English Civil War. His writings primarily critique the concept of private land ownership, advocating instead for communal stewardship of the earth. Winstanley argued passionately that all land should belong to the community as a whole, not to individual proprietors, and envisioned a society free from money and wages. He was a profound advocate for radical social reform aimed at eradicating poverty and oppression.
At the end of the English Civil War, Gerrard Winstanley and his comrades, known as Diggers, went to St George's Hill, to farm the common land and to distribute the food for free amongst themselves. This title examines Winstanley's work and argues that, as we face a greater enclosure of the commons, he can inspire us to turn our world upside down.
Exploring themes of equality and stewardship, the narrative presents a vision of a world where humanity is tasked with governing nature rather than dominating each other. The Creator Reason establishes Earth as a shared resource for all creatures, emphasizing that no group of humans should hold power over another. Through this philosophical lens, the text critiques social hierarchies and advocates for a harmonious coexistence among all beings, reflecting on the original intent of creation.