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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
Surprising relevance for something written in 1848, but unfortunately I had the world's worst narrator who ruined most of it for me (Matt Montanez). The word 'bourgeois' occurs 303 times and he mispronounced it as "ber-juss."
Another term, proletariat, was a bit jarring since after 1970 most people just say 'working class.' My generation has to google it!
Content-wise, the CM is clearly an attempt to influence history by spreading information about a movement... which we see a lot of today. Marx was passionate and confident in his writing, so I haven't given up on him... but I think I will seek out his Hegel-ish content.
"One of Marx's primary intellectual influences was the work of G.W.F. Hegel. Hegel's theory presents history as a process in which the world becomes conscious of itself as spirit. Marx took this idea and furthered it, arguing that as man becomes conscious of himself as spirit, the material world causes him to feel increasingly alienated from himself. Escape from this alienation requires a revolution."
Another term, proletariat, was a bit jarring since after 1970 most people just say 'working class.' My generation has to google it!
Content-wise, the CM is clearly an attempt to influence history by spreading information about a movement... which we see a lot of today. Marx was passionate and confident in his writing, so I haven't given up on him... but I think I will seek out his Hegel-ish content.
"One of Marx's primary intellectual influences was the work of G.W.F. Hegel. Hegel's theory presents history as a process in which the world becomes conscious of itself as spirit. Marx took this idea and furthered it, arguing that as man becomes conscious of himself as spirit, the material world causes him to feel increasingly alienated from himself. Escape from this alienation requires a revolution."
Sorry Marx a bit to radical for me. It’s written very well though.
I don’t think I can give this a traditional star rating so I’ll just type my thoughts.
Definitely interesting and an important piece of historical literature. I surprisingly found myself agreeing with certain sections. Ironically, for this being a book aimed for the working class, I feel like the language becomes too academic and complex to understand at various points. I had to use supplemental material to better my understanding of the material. Given the modern Red Scare occurring in the US and the fact most members of the far right accuse *any* progressive measure as being “communist” without even understanding what communism actually is, I recommend this especially to any American.
Definitely interesting and an important piece of historical literature. I surprisingly found myself agreeing with certain sections. Ironically, for this being a book aimed for the working class, I feel like the language becomes too academic and complex to understand at various points. I had to use supplemental material to better my understanding of the material. Given the modern Red Scare occurring in the US and the fact most members of the far right accuse *any* progressive measure as being “communist” without even understanding what communism actually is, I recommend this especially to any American.
Provides valuable insight and an essential read, but constantly throws me for a loop that I had to reread some parts (arguably can be because of my goldfish attention span but I stand my ground).
Given the context most people read this book, I think it is worth noting that in my opinion this text shouldn't be read without a fair bit of knowledge on the topic. Other than that it was a good read, I recommend, not much else to say.
informative
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Ideals are not misogynistic, they’re almost feminist even (speaking out against patriarchal gender roles and dependence of wife on husband), but they use misogynistic slurs. Not once did they say “woman”, they only used “Weib”, which means “wench”.
The final standard of a theoretical system is its adherence to reality and applicability in real life.
Though it is important to understand the Marxist theory of society being a battle field of conflicting interests, its conclusion to abolish private property simply contradicts man's basic nature and his legitimate goal to achieve personal happiness. From the short author bio at the end of the book, it seems even Engels understood that:
"FRIEDRICH ENGELS [...] became the collaborator and staunch supporter of Marx before and during the European revolutions of 1848, when together they created The Communist Manifesto. Although brilliant himself [...], he chose to play the role of disciple to Marx's genius and LIVED A DOUBLE LIFE — AS A BOURGEOIS FACTORY OWNER BY DAY AND A COMMUNIST AFTER HOURS. But it was his money that became Marx's only means of support [...] ". (emphasis added).
Though it is important to understand the Marxist theory of society being a battle field of conflicting interests, its conclusion to abolish private property simply contradicts man's basic nature and his legitimate goal to achieve personal happiness. From the short author bio at the end of the book, it seems even Engels understood that:
"FRIEDRICH ENGELS [...] became the collaborator and staunch supporter of Marx before and during the European revolutions of 1848, when together they created The Communist Manifesto. Although brilliant himself [...], he chose to play the role of disciple to Marx's genius and LIVED A DOUBLE LIFE — AS A BOURGEOIS FACTORY OWNER BY DAY AND A COMMUNIST AFTER HOURS. But it was his money that became Marx's only means of support [...] ". (emphasis added).
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
ενδιαφέρον
informative
inspiring
informative
reflective
slow-paced