so-soIt's fine. At this point in history the Communist Manifesto is more of a novelty than anything else. Discovering that about a third of this plus-sized pamphlet is devoted to shit-talking other leftists really drove home that nothing in it was new or scary even at the time. The Communist Manifesto is, upon inspection, revealed as really nothing more than a single piece of a long running, much more widespread conversation.
Marx and Engels‘s historical analysis is breathtakingly, brilliantly simple. I think it‘s wrong but, again, you‘ve just got to admire its genius. Obviously, without understanding the historical basis of Marx‘s thought you can‘t understand anything else in Marxism.
panI read this book to learn about what communism was. However, I found it difficult to understand and didn‘t really get what the book was talking about. I would rate it a 4/10.
pickWe need systems of COMPASSION
…not systems of oppression 🌻
panIt was difficult to understand ( I think the one I read was not the original one but edited by someone or a summary )
This little guy showed up today. Keeps demanding that I “seize the means of production.” Should I call someone?
#athinsliceofanxiety #karlmarx #crochet #books #communism #seizethemeansofproduction #lilkarlmarx #marxism
A foundational and mostly historical book now, mostly read this to work up to more concentrated theory. This version has about five different versions of the preface through reprintings, which was interesting but mostly equated to: 'it was printed again in this language for the fifth time. Times have changed, but the actual manifesto won't.' Which is understandable, but reduces it to an historical work.
pickNew book review: The Communist Manifesto By Karl Marx and Frederick Engels
http://www.athinsliceofanxiety.com/2020/07/review-communist-manifesto_9.html?m=1
#athinsliceofanxiety #communism #communistmanifesto #bookreview #bookblogger #karlmarx #frederickengels
/throws down pitchfork
//picks pitchfork back up again
Awww hell naw
“in what relation do the communists stand to the proletarians as a whole?
the communists do not form a separate party opposed to the other working-class parties.
they have no interests separate and apart from those of the proletariat as a whole.
they do not set up any sectarian principles of their own, by which to shape and mould the proletarian movement.”
lots to think about w/r/t my own practical organizing experience... 🤧
I could visit High Gate cemetery in London only this May. However, I was inspired by the manifesto right when I was in my twenties trying to understand the deep inequality in our societies...
so-soDuring my months long absence/ slump, I read a ton of digital comics that I probably won‘t bother to log, and this classic by Marx. Meh, I get where he was coming from, and I don‘t necessarily disagree, but even for classic, leftist, political theory it was a tad dry.
The graphic novel telling of this has some truly stunning, if disturbing artwork.
so-soSo I did it. I finally read the Communist Manifesto. I think a lot of it makes sense (I am shameless about my socialist opinions), but I won't pretend it was incredibly interesting. The writing style is dated, in that dry sort of way, although I think the translation probably didn't help. I'm still sorting out my thoughts.
When you struggle to fight the power without losing your joy on Facebook...
(From Sassy Socialist Memes)
pickWage laborers will never prosper. They only make capital which is low enough to keep them working paycheck to paycheck.
pickI read part of this for a literary theory course when we were studying Marxist criticism, but I'm glad I read the entire work so I can better understand the origins of such a divisive political theory.
I needed something dry after finishing Bird Box (OMG). Loki thought I said I was reading about Commewnism not Communism. #catsoflitsy
Opening line: "The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles." #thecommunistmanifesto #karlmarx #pelicanbooks #bookish #bookcover #firstline #bookgnome #book
Honestly, this is really interesting. Always good to get things from the source and not through what people say
pickAn enlightening read if you're aiming to understand Marxist communism. In a modern reading, it's practical flaws are evident.
Well in hindsight that's a lovely idealistic view of the communists
Next @SerialReader read seemed appropriate part way through teaching the Russian Revolution...
pickI know I'm not the only one using @SerialReader to fill in the gaps in their formal education!
This one was a self-made gap, since I was a Polisci /art history major in college & was definitely assigned this at least twice (oops).
pickFor anyone in the USA I feel this is a must read because of the turmoil of the recent election. Not just because of the results but because of the struggle between who to vote for. Reading this I could easily relate the situation our country is in power struggle wise, to how Marx explains the systematic power struggles and revolutions of the bourgeoisie. Because we are part of one, but it should be noted it has also come full circle.
A little early #bookmail Christmas gift. One of my favorite books from when I was a kid and one of my favorites from my major in college. I'll let you figure out which is which.
BTW, my theory is if more people read The Communist Manifesto, they would see it isn't scary at all and would agree with most of it. The other "C" word is too scary in the US though, so people tend to avoid the book.
They have a world to win.
pickEveryone should read this. It's the heart of all the social change we hear about today. Maybe strict Communism doesn't work so well but their hearts were in the right place.
I'm reading this on the @SerialReader right now and it is scary how not much has changed since 1848
When I went to do a post for the #augustphotochallenge I realized this isn't even ALL the books we own by or about Karl Marx. How many Marx anthologies does a person need?#augustofpages #politicsandbooks @TheSpinecrackersBookClub
The Communist Manifesto | 
