Why I'm not a Marxist
Back in the late '80's to early '90's, I was a student at Lincoln Memorial University. While at LMU, I read a lot of books by people who claimed to "know the way". Now..."the way" is different for everyone. For some, it is religious, for others, it can be found money. The way, for Karl Marx, was found in working the crap out of other people. I don't claim to understand everything Karl Marx ever wrote. But what I do understand makes me scratch my head and say WTF? Here's a lovely tidbit of "The Karl's" writing.
"The mode of production of material life conditions the social, political and intellectual life process in general. It is not the consciousness of men that determines their being, but, on the contrary, their social being that determines their consciousness."
Karl Marx, Preface to the Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy, Abstract
My response to that is, again, WTF? What was he smoking? Can I have some? Marxism is really popular on college campuses. It gives people who might not have a political home, a place to hang their hat. It also allows them a claim to uniqueness, something we all want. In reality, Marxism is like one of those things you do in college that you quickly forget once you get into the "real world". I put it in the same category as Wicca and Yagermeister. It's one of those experimental college things.
Just a little interesting fact....the vast majority of Marxist are men. Wonder why women aren't as attracted to a political theory where the common man works for the glory of another....oh...wait we do that already, it's called MARRIAGE.
posted by mariemon at 7:58 PM
2 Comments:
Oh, Oh, Oh do I disagree with you! Marxism looks great on paper but it is ultimately doomed to fail when put to the test in the real world. What Karl Marx failed to plan for was the human's insane desire for power and wealth, not to mention the need for a dominant hierarchal structure in society. Without planning for these things, Marxism does little more than create a breeding ground for corruption and abuse as seen in the Soviet Union.
I'm not saying Capitalism is the way to go, but right now, I don't see any viable alternatives.
Well, I'm glad you find me unpredictable.*wink* I think it is all too easy to dislike everything the Republicans say without even considering it. I don't disagree with all they say, just 99.9% of it. There is that one...rare..unbelievable moment of clarity that they occasionally have! :) As for the Marxist thing, it also is a philosophy not without selling points. Not everything in the Marxist doctrine is "out there". There are tidbits of good philosophy in it. Unfortunately, as a whole, it is a fairy tale. It can only work on paper.
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