The Communist Manifesto
Ratings211
Average rating3.5
This short book discusses the theory and the shortcomings of its interpretations by some. Marx presents a rather radical solution and it ought to be followed without modifications that dilute the theory. His observations are rather apt arguing that capitalism will eventually ruin everything in the attempt to constantly produce more and more leading to the cultural destitution of everything.
I can agree with his observations arguing that the bourgeoisie are incompetent at ruling but the solution Marx presents is that the proletariat ought to rule themselves without religion. As a Christian myself I cannot agree and his firm stance on the removal of religion is where he lost me. He makes an interesting argument that Christianity and Marxism seem to be compatible but it only benefits the aristocracy; perhaps it is so. The revolution is perhaps not for the Christian who already believe there was a revolution with Jesus.
The manifesto arouses emotions on the inequality between workers and capitalists but falls short of providing great solutions. The overthrow of the Bourgeoisie and replacement with the proletariat isn't sufficient as has been the case in Russia and China. Socialism provides better solutions than Communism.
reread this while reading [b:A Spectre, Haunting: On the Communist Manifesto 61279009 A Spectre, Haunting On the Communist Manifesto China Miéville https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1660079932l/61279009.SY75.jpg 58440526] and also read the turkish translation and original german. the original german was surprisingly... less dramatic than the english version. The wording is just more straightforward and the evocative passages kind of fall flat in the original. Although granted, this could be just me not being as good as german as I think I am. The turkish version is barely readable, it feels so needlessly complicated. If I wasn't familiar with the original I'd have put it down. Was interesting to see how much translation changes the experience. Feels weird to rate this but I don't like leaving stuff unrated so 5 stars as a commie
Some good ideas, but way over the top. Proven over time to fail in the end.
This version contains a 200 page introduction by Gareth Stedman Jones who is a self-declared reformist. Only wrong ideas of Marxism here. The manifesto itself is a good introduction to communist ideology (that's what it's for after all).
this is part of the little black classics challenge I'm doing so I guess I had to read this
not sure what to think, communism has good and bad parts just like capitalism does. I'm not on any side tbh.
A manifesto of fiery confidence, brutally accurate analysis and unrealistically idealist hopes.
This book is an example of giving the most unbelievably accurate and perfect diagnosis but not having as much success with the cure. I can see why it caused such a fuss, I want to take on some of these bourgeoisie dogs like myself after reading this.
It's a must read, but it's too concise so will be rereading it a couple of times more.
Figured I'd see what all the hubbub is about. But I quickly realized that this book isn't very easily consumable by the layman either. You ought to read a book that analyzes it rather than going straight to the source. Kinda like jumping into philosophy for the first time in your life by reading Thus Spake Zarathustra, you probably won't get it without a more robust foundation.
I figured I should start here, with this tiny paperback that's been at my bedside for years; both since it's a thin one and it's a pretty dry bit of prose, so whatever I read next will feel like a breeze.
Not an easy read and definitely not the book I thought it would be. Will have to look for Communism elsewhere.
I notice most people who give this book a high rating start off by saying that it is an influential piece of work; important, and so on. So what? That doesn't make the ideas in it any better. In fact, the ideas are terrible. He can babble about classes all he wants, but when he never defines what a social class is, it's utterly meaningless.
However, don't construe my rating as suggesting that you don't read it. You should read this work precisely because it was influential; because it has been important. Anything that can give you a further understanding of history and of mankind is worth spending time on.
“But even in Das Kapital Marx does not delimit precisely the concept of class, although it is of fundamental importance for his theory. He does not define what class is, but limits himself to enumerating the “great classes” into which modern capitalist society is divided.” – Ludwig Von Mises, Socialism.