It allows you to begin focusing on structures and systems, rather than blaming individuals for the wrong they do. The other road is to simply throw your hands skyward and give up on humanity as too evil, too wicked, or too foolish to ever mend our ways. The next time you hear someone blow off humanity, try challenging them to explain why a person would do such a thing. In essence, we're being held hostage by this all-powerful demigod called the State. But the anarchist is not unlike a virus within a larger body, spreading memes instead of genes.
Memes are basic units of thought.
I'm confident that you'll be able to find causes behind their actions, which is more empowering than simply shaking your head and marvelling at man's wickedness. Yes, anarchists are optimistic about humanity, but we are not idealists or utopians. It sets the stage for social revolution.