The first thing to consider is the kind of revolution that we are fighting for, because the ends we have in mind will, to a large extent, determine the means we use. Anarchist revolution is a fundamental change in the way society is ordered - we want to replace the dictatorship of a minority, not with the dictatorship of another, but with freedom for all. What we reject is political revolution. Whether they use the ballot box or the Armalite, we know better than to trust our would-be leaders. No matter how well-intentioned they may be, a minority cannot deliver real change from above.
Real socialism comes from below, through mass participation.
In every generation, there are those who want to rule well - but they mean to rule. They promise to be good masters - but they mean to be masters. A social revolution, on the other hand, is a much broader change in society, involving a much greater number of people. An anarchist revolution cannot happen without both this widespread mood for change, and some idea of what change is necessary. The best example of this is the revolution in Spain in 1936 .