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Cowbee [he/they]
lemmy.ml
Cowbee@lemmy.mlJoined: 2023-12-31 |
Please see the basic course and advanced course, this guide is not maintained as frequently!
— V. I. Lenin In the dying capitalist hellscape we occupy, it can often seem hopeless. However, a better world is possible. We can move on from the destitution, genocide, and privation of today's society and move onto one where we consciously decide to take a scientific approach to production. We can direct society in such a fashion that satisfying the needs of the people is the goal of production, and not satisfying the bottomless avarice of a handful of billionaires. What we need is socialism. What we need is Marxism-Leninism. Who is this guide aimed at? Anyone wanting to begin their journey into the world of leftist theory and organizing. How long will this guide take to follow? Aimed at about 60 hours of active reading time. This can be stretched out over a year, or condensed into a few months of hard study, depending on your availability. Section 0a: The Case for Marxism-Leninism [4hr 19 min]In the 21st century, with global capitalism in crisis, now more than ever an alternative is needed. Why should we look to Marxism-Leninism, specifically?
[20 min] From the unique scientific perspective of a legendary physicist, the case for taking a coordinated, planned, and scientific approach to production and distribution.
[26 min] The case specifically for Marxism-Leninism as the basis of social organizing and revolutionary practice.
[1 hr 33 min] The importance of revolution in uplifting people's lives across the 20th century.
[2 hr] A litany against anti-communist mythos, an examination of the real successes and struggles in the USSR, and an analysis of fascism. Section 0b: Self-Education [15 min]When beginning to study a new subject, it's important to frame why studying said subject will be useful, as well as how best to go about studying.
[11 min] Practice alone is insufficient for developing a solid understanding of effective methodology.
[4 min] Best practices for how to get the most out of study, through active engagement with theory. Section 1: Fundamentals of Marxism [2 hr 6 min]Let's begin with some gentle overviews to form a base to build upon in the later sections.
[10 min] The core fundamentals of Marxism.
[1 hr 11 min] The FAQ of communism. Quick to read, and easy to reference. [~45 min] A history of Karl Marx and the framework he created. Section 2: Philosophy [6 hr 17 min]By far the most critical subject to firmly grasp within Marxism-Leninism is the philosophy of dialectical materialism, the main tool by which Marxist-Leninists interpret the world so as to more effectively change it.
[2 hr 46 min] A gentle and thorough introruction to dialectical materialism and how it came to be.
[2 hr 16 min] Directed towards guerilla fighters of the People's Liberation Army, this pair of essays equip the reader to apply the analytical tools of dialectical materialism to their every day practice.
[~1 hr] An in-depth exploration of the fundamentals of Marxist dialectics.
[15 min] Spend some time using what you have just learned, and actively engage with each of Marx's 11 theses here. This is the true germ of dialectical materialism, and proper study avoids falling into vulgar materialism. Section 3: Economics [3 hr 37 min]The Law of Value is the bedrock of the Marxist analysis of capitalism. Understanding how it is that capital behaves and functions will help us identify its contradictions, which we can exploit.
[20 min] A basic introduction to the Law of Value. By no means a replacement for Capital, but will suffice for now.
[2 hr 17 min] Best taken as a pair, these essays simplify the most important parts of the Law of Value.
[~1 hr] An unorthodox approach to analyzing capital as a material expression of control systems. Section 4: Scientific Socialism [6 hr 12 min]Scientific socialism takes an analytical approach to development and class struggle. We aim to understand the laws governing development so that we can become the masters of production, and develop in a planned fashion.
[1 hr 32 min] Engels introduces scientific socialism, explaining how Capitalism itself prepares the conditions for public ownership and planning by centralizing itself into monopolist syndicates and cartels.
[47 min] Dissects a weak socialist program and elaborates on the dictatorship of the proletariat, as well as the early socialist stage and higher communist stage.
[2 hr 8 min] Further analyzes the necessity of revolution and introduces the economic basis for the withering away of the state.
[10 min] The working class must be able to defend itself from violent reaction, it can't jump from state to non-state overnight.
[20 min] What does building socialism in the real world actually look like? How do we get from capitalism to socialism to communism?
[23 min] Highlights the importance of collectivized and planned production from an economic, scientific, and efficency standpoint.
[40 min] The struggles and contradictions in existing socialism, and the process of building to higher and more developed stages, can only be accomplished by taking a scientific and analytical approach. [12 min] Addresses competing interpretations of the Law of Value with respect to the transition from capitalism to communism. Section 5: Imperialism [8 hr 48 min]Capitalism didn't collapse in Europe, it found new ways to survive, chiefly by exporting capital. This current protracted evolution of capitalism into imperialism is the primary contradiction facing the global march to socialism.
[2 hr 39 min] The formation of imperialism, as well as general characteristics of its behavior.
[4 hr 39 min] Over time, imperialism has managed to export the bulk of the contradictions in the global north to the global south.
[~1 hr 30 min] The characteristics of the moribund US Empire, and its use of the dollar to dominate the global south in the current era. Section 6: Colonialism [16 hr 14 min]Understanding the ongoing national liberation movements in the global south, as well as the problem of settler-colonialism, is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of modern empire.
[4 min] Decolonialization is fundamental to Marxism-Leninism.
[4 hr 48 min] A Marxist understanding of nationalism in the global south.
[22 min] The genocidal history of the settler-colonialism of Palestine, from its origins to today. [~7 hrs] Analysis of the dark, bloody history of settler-colonialism in the US Empire.
[4 hr] A fiery pedagogy for those wretched of the Earth. Section 7: Feminism [2 hr 3 min]The historic oppression of women needs to be recognized and fought against.
[6 min] All sections of the working class must uplift each other, and not use homophobia or misogyny against capitalists, as it attacks our comrades as well.
[45 min] A Marxist counter to the existing bourgeois feminist movement, explaining why feminism needs Marxism, and Marxism needs feminism. [~30 min] An exploration of the state of the feminist movement and the importance of intersectionality as it relates to combatting oppression.
[42 min] Throughout the history of feminist struggle, the struggle against formalized organization has been counter-productive and led to less efficient effort and increased problems with elitism, while groups with formalized structures have had far more success and open dialogue. Section 8: LGBTQIA+ [4 hr 22 min]We must correctly push for queer liberation, unflinchingly.
[2hr 39 min] When different social groups fight for liberation together, they are emboldened and empowered ever-further.
[~40 min] Breaks down the basis of misogyny, transphobia, and homophobia from a Marxist perspective. [63 min] Trans liberation and communism go hand-in-hand. Section 9: Party Work [5hr 12 min]You can't build communism by reading it into existence. Roll up your sleeves, and get to work.
[2 hr 2 min] Marxism-Leninism is the living and evolving Marxism that has tested theory to practice for over a century.
[70 min] The fundamental tasks of the revolutionary party.
[~1 hour] If we are to be successful, we must work to better ourselves, and do good party work.
[~30 min] The mass line is the fundamental tool of maintaining a direct link between the working class and the vanguard,
[~30 min] Democratic centralism turns an amorphous but radicalized working class into a solidified force to overwhelm its enemies. It takes the greatest strength of the proletariat, its mass, and aligns it in a unified direction. Section 10: Self-Conduct [2 hr 39 min]We cannot be dogmatic, or let the perfect socialism in our heads be the enemy of socialism in the real world.
[1 hr 47 min] As organizers, we must do our best to engage where the working class is at, and not let the perfect socialism in our heads be the enemy of our own practice. [17 min] Marxism in western countries is often clouded by those who seem to only support socialism that failed, the "pure" socialist movements unsullied by the very real struggles involved in building socialism over a lengthy period of time. This perfect vision of socialism in our heads becomes not just the enemy of our practice, but also that of socialists in the global south that fought and died for a better world.
[1 min] Simple and straightforward virtues for any good cadre.
[4 min] Tenacity is what creates valleys and shifts mountains. Through our connected struggle, even if the odds seem overwhelming, we all contribute to bringing about a better world.
[~30 min] We must combat the notion of putting self-interest above that of our collective struggle. It is through collaboration that we emancipate all, not just ourselves. ConclusionCongratulations, you completed your introductory reading course! Now, if you haven't already, get organized. The Party for Socialism and Liberation, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, and Red Star Caucus are all good Statesian options. Pick whichever decent org is most active in your area regardless of where you live. Be industrious, and self-sufficient. Take up gardening, home repair, tinkering. It is through practice that you elevate your knowledge. Learn self-defense. Get armed, if practical. Be ready to protect yourself and others. Try to use FOSS if you can. Go vegan! We will win. Resourcesa. Theory ProleWiki - A robust library and wiki for Marxism-Leninism. Red Sails - "Woke ML-MZT Criterion Collection with home videos thrown in" Comrade's Library - Excellent source for .epubs Qiao Collective - Connecting western diaspora with Chinese political commentary b. Podcasts Blowback - Anti-imperialist podcast about the crimes of the US Empire. Rev Left Radio - Marxist-Leninist podcast centering theory, history, and current events c. News Liberation News - PSL's newsletter Fight Back! News - FRSO's newsletter Naked Capitalism - Economic newsletter centering capitalism's decay |
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