I am interested in politics, and even tho i am not a communist, i am interested in what can be learned from it and i also want to learn more about political ideologies as a whole, instead of speaking out of my ass whenever someone mentions communism and potentially say some bullshit. What do you think?
I feel like you should read anything that people find so polarizing and taboo. It’s short and its pretty dang hard to disagree with.
Yes. If I may, I would suggest “The origins of family and private property” from Engels. It’s not explicitly political, but I find it serves excellently for dissolving some biases towards historical conditions and how they shape the current affairs.
Yes, an education is worthwhile. Read many philosophies inluding Marx, Hegel, Kant, Locke, John Stuart Mill, Adam Smith, Kropotkin, Stirner, Rudolf Rocker, Graeber etc. Though not my career, I keep studying for fun.
As with The Bible, there is a clergy surrounding philosophical figures. You may join their congregation. I choose not to partake. Read The Bible to understand society, but you don’t need to join the congregation.
Absolutely. It’s short.
Do note that most of how communism worked, on paper and in practice, originated later, though. Marx, a German who mostly lived in England, wrote the Manifesto in 1848 and died in 1883, while the revolution was in Russia in 1917. And there’s stuff in the manifesto that obviously didn’t age well, like the bit about the invention of trains leading to the end of nationalism.
Still, it’s great historical perspective, and obviously inspired how the Soviet Union looked at things pretty heavily.
Whatever you think of Marx, it’s undeniable he has literary value. I’d say read him.
I’d say that Das Kapital is more useful. The manifesto was a specific call to arms for a specific time. It’s worth understanding as a historical note, but, it’s not really a theoretical work.
Das Kapital, is a work about a theory of political economy and layed out the actual basis of Marxist theory.
Everything else is sort of down stream of that. At least in regards to understanding what specific objections or concerns people in Marxist thought have.
Read principles of communism instead, it is the same content but better formatted
Oh, and watch Luna Oi’s Marxism 101: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeaTLoy1C9rM
Great rec!
Yes. As much as Marx set the foundation for these ideas, the people parroting these ideas today often clash with a lot of what he believed in. So it’s important to understand what he was saying vs what those people tell you he was saying.
Can you elaborate a bit more? What groups stand against Marx while claiming to adhere to his beliefs, in your view? I agree with the idea that many clash with Marx, but a gut feeling tells me we disagree on which groups.
Yeah! Communism is one of the most important movements and ideologies in modern history. It has shaped the lives of everyone on the planet, whether you are one of billions living under socialism or in a state that represses labor movements. It’s one of the most read pieces of literature for a reason, and it’s a good idea to be informed of the demands communists aim for. Although it was a couple hundred years ago the demands are largely the same to this day, just slight modifications such as the 10 point plan of the black panther party
It is meant to be an accessible reading, meant for working class people. Go for it. I personally recommend Rosa Luxemburg’s writings.
Learning is always worth it
Yes
sure. you’re not going to be infected with some sort of horrible mind virus. if you’re interested, read it
Sure, the Manifesto is a pretty short easy read. But being more politically educated is always good
Thanks, i just got tired of people yelling “communist” at anyone who’s progressive in any way (probably a thing of the place i live in lol)
Yep, there’s definitely a concerted effort to muddy the waters of understanding. Cowbee is this corner of the internet’s resident tutor/mentor, so follow their suggestions if you’re interested in actually learning about and understanding socialism.
All of Marx’ writings are worth a read even if you’re a dumbass capitalist.
