While I was much impressed with the still relevant critique which I found in the chapter 1 of the Communist Manifesto I was disappointed by the second chapter which outlines the positive contribution of Communist thought. Isn't this always the case. We are great a criticizing but when it comes to a positive contribution . . .
I admit that I am certainly behind the times when it comes to current Marxist development. However, I am unclear as how it much is has progressed. It seems like the only thriving communist expression is China (are they still technically considered communist?) which has adopted active capitalist strategies to bolster the economy. I would love to learn more about their situation as it seems quite unique on the world's stage (any thoughts out there?)
alright, as promised here are a few captions from chapter 2 "Proletarians and Communists"
"The immediate aim of the Communists is the . . . formation of the proletariat as a class, overthrow of the bourgeois supremacy, and conquest of political power by the proletariat."
"The theory of the Communists may be summed up in the single sentence: Abolition of private property. . . . You are horrified at our intending to do away with private property. But in your existing society, private property is already done away with for nine-tenths of the population."
"The average price of wage labour is the minimum wage, i.e., that quantum of the means of subsistence which is absolutely requisite to keep the labourer in bare existence as a labourer. What therefore, the wage-labourer appropriates by means of his labour, merely suffices to prolong and reproduce a bare existence."
"All we want to do away with is the miserable character of [bourgeois] appropriation, under which the labourer lives merely to increase capital."
Perhaps I will leave this for a few installments. Posts are supposed to be short and snappy right?
I have been very interested in the nineteenth century critique of religion. Forthcoming posts will hopefully include Nietzsche's's "Anti-Christ" and Freud's "The Future of an Illusion". I find Nietzsche's's critique so fascinating because I think he is so right and so wrong often on the same point.
Updated: Tuesday, 7 February 2006 4:28 PM EST
Post Comment | View Comments (3) | Permalink | Share This Post