George Woodcock, a renowned Canadian writer and thinker, was born on August 8, 1912, in Manitoba, Canada. He spent much of his childhood in England, where he developed a keen interest in literature and philosophy. His parents, Arthur Woodcock and Margaret Lewis, were both educators who instilled in him a love for learning and critical thinking.
Woodcock pursued his higher education at the University of British Columbia, where he studied English literature and history. During his time at university, he was drawn to radical ideas and social justice movements, which would later shape his intellectual pursuits.
During World War II, Woodcock made a bold decision to resist militarism and violence by becoming a conscientious objector. He spent the war years in an Oregon camp for conscientious objectors, where he honed his writing skills and continued to question the prevailing political ideologies of the time.
After the war, Woodcock returned to Canada and embarked on a prolific writing career that spanned several decades. He wrote extensively on topics such as anarchism, libertarianism, history, literature, and travel. In 1962, he published his seminal work, Anarchism: A History of Libertarian Ideas and Movements, which solidified his reputation as a leading authority on anarchist thought.
In addition to Anarchism, Woodcock wrote several other influential books, including The Anarchist Prince, Victoria, and Faces of India: A Travel Narrative. His writings reflected his deep commitment to social justice, individual freedom, and nonviolence, making him a respected figure in anarchist circles around the world.
Woodcock was married to a woman named Inga, who supported his intellectual pursuits and shared his passion for social change. Together, they traveled extensively, immersing themselves in different cultures and engaging with diverse communities. Woodcock's encounters with the Dalai Lama during his charity work in Tibet and India left a lasting impact on his worldview, inspiring him to continue advocating for peace and justice.
Throughout his life, George Woodcock remained steadfast in his commitment to challenging authority, promoting individual autonomy, and fostering a more equitable society. His legacy as a writer, thinker, and activist continues to inspire new generations of readers and scholars who are drawn to his radical vision of a better world.