Desire Versus Ego

Kaneko Fumiko (1903–1926) was an anarchist rebel during the Taishō era of modern Japan. She arrested in 1923 and charged with high treason for participating a plot to attack imperial family. also had connections members Korean national liberation movement, most notably her partner Park Yeol. Her experience abuse, abandonment, exploitation growing up led form highly critical dismissive attitude towards established norms institutions, which she saw as hypocritical, self-serving oppressive. describes position anarchist, nihilist egoist cites Max Stirner, founder egoism, significant influence. Egoism is radical individualism that denies any authority espouses individual pursues self-interest unhindered. strived always live by principles following wishes. However, one letters gave court imprisonment, doubts past decision. Namely, felt at point making decisions unilaterally not respecting will. Hence, wrote that, according should have left Park. Nonetheless, same letter, reaffirms love defiantly accepts all consequences their relationship, including death sentence. Using psychoanalytic theory from Lacanian tradition, I argue Kaneko’s confirmation indicates fidelity desire. This opens dimension where can be more faithful herself than through Stirnean egoism.