Proudhon vs. Rand

Proudhon's ideas were a revolt against communism, as it created a "stupid uniformity" among men, where men are meant to be free, active, and unsubmissive.  Communism requires obedience where men are meant to exercise their free will.  Communism is commonly thought of as being progressive, however, Proudhon's idea is arguably more progressive, considering its ability to free all man of chains.  Communism creates a necessity for man to labor for the good of the community rather than according to his own will.

Rand also revolted against communism, believing that it imprisoned the individual and forced him to act as a slave to the community.  Both seemed to agree that such a government would be restrictive and suffocating.  Rand would applaud Proudhon's assertion that "communism is the exploitation of the strong by the weak."  However, Rand could not agree with the first part of the quote, that "property is the exploitation of the weak by the strong."  She argued that it was the right of the individual to be able to take ownership over their labor, and that the individual should be able to own property.

This is one difference between libertarianism and anarchism.  The libertarian advocates a small government, whereas the anarchist favors the abolishment of all government.  Rand's theory comes close to anarchism, but does nothing for the weaker in society.  She is willing to let the strong take over, based on the idea that the strong will produce more and therefore deserve more.  Proudhon doesn't seem to care as much about having so much incentive for production, but believes that it is up to the individual to find the will to produce.  This makes man freer, as it is easier for him to determine his own fate.  Rand's idea forces man to strive for property, while Proudhon seeks the abolishment of property all together.