Henri Zisly

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Henri Zisly (born in Paris, November 2, 1872; died in 1945)[1] was a French individualist anarchist and naturist.[2] He participated alongside Henry Beylie and Émile Gravelle in many journals such as La Nouvelle Humanité and La Vie Naturelle, which promoted anarchist-naturism.

In 1902, he was one of the main initiators, alongside Georges Butaud and Sophie Zaïkowska, of the cooperative Colonie de Vaux established in Essômes-sur-Marne, in l'Aisne.[citation needed]

Zisly's political activity, "primarily aimed at supporting a return to 'natural life' through writing and practical involvement, stimulated lively confrontations within and outside the anarchist environment. Zisly vividly criticized progress and civilization, which he regarded as 'absurd, ignoble, and filthy.' He openly opposed industrialization, arguing that machines were inherently authoritarian, defended nudism, advocated a non-dogmatic and non-religious adherence to the 'laws of nature,' recommended a lifestyle based on limited needs and self-sufficiency, and disagreed with vegetarianism, which he considered 'anti-scientific.'"[3]


  • En Conquête de l'état naturel, 1899
  • Voyage au beau pays de Naturie, 1900
  • La Conception du naturisme libertaire, 1920
  • Naturisme pratique dans la civilisation, 1928


  1. ^ Henri Zisly page; from the Daily Bleed's Anarchist Encyclopedia
  2. ^ "Henri Zisly, self-labeled individualist anarchist, is considered one of the forerunners and principal organizers of the naturist movement in France and one of its most able and outspoken defenders worldwide.""Zisly, Henri (1872–1945)" by Stefano Boni
  3. ^ "Zisly, Henri (1872–1945)" by Stefano Boni

See also[edit]