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Κομμουνισμός. Μια μικρή ιστορία για το πώς επιτέλους θα αλλάξουν όλα
«“Ρόιδο μας τα ’κανε αυτός ο καπιταλισμός!” σκέφτονται οι άνθρωποι. “Πρώτα μας έκανε καλά καλά να δυστυχήσουμε, και μετά όλο χάλαγε κι από πάνω”. Και μια άλλη λέει: “Κι εν πάση περιπτώσει, αυτόν τον καπιταλισμό τον έχουμε ήδη πάρα πολύ καιρό –κάπου διακόσια με πεντακόσια χρόνια–, ε και τέλος πάντων φτάνει πια! Ήρθε η ώρα να δοκιμάσουμε και τίποτα καινούριο. Καμιά αλλαγή πότε πότε δεν βλάπτει!”».
«Χωρίς να το αντιληφθούμε, η έννοια του κομμουνισμού πολλαπλασιάστηκε. Από τον κομμουνισμό φτάσαμε στους κομμουνισμούς, οι οποίοι, πέρα από έναν πραγματικό κομμουνιστικό πλουραλισμό, υποδηλώνουν ότι η έννοια του κομμουνισμού είναι αμφιλεγόμενη, ότι συνιστά πεδίο πολιτικής αντιπαράθεσης. Όλες αυτές οι αντιφατικές έννοιες του κομμουνισμού εκφράστηκαν ή εκφράζονται από φιλελεύθερες ή αυταρχικές κομμουνίστριες, από σοσιαλίστριες, από εχθρούς του συστήματος. Έτσι ο κομμουνισμός σήμαινε ανέκαθεν πολύ περισσότερα από μόνη την άρνηση του καπιταλισμού, καθώς εμπλέκεται ευθύς εξαρχής στην κριτική στους άλλους κομμουνισμούς και τις σοσιαλιστικές ουτοπίες, στη σύγκρουση για το μέλλον».
«Χωρίς να το αντιληφθούμε, η έννοια του κομμουνισμού πολλαπλασιάστηκε. Από τον κομμουνισμό φτάσαμε στους κομμουνισμούς, οι οποίοι, πέρα από έναν πραγματικό κομμουνιστικό πλουραλισμό, υποδηλώνουν ότι η έννοια του κομμουνισμού είναι αμφιλεγόμενη, ότι συνιστά πεδίο πολιτικής αντιπαράθεσης. Όλες αυτές οι αντιφατικές έννοιες του κομμουνισμού εκφράστηκαν ή εκφράζονται από φιλελεύθερες ή αυταρχικές κομμουνίστριες, από σοσιαλίστριες, από εχθρούς του συστήματος. Έτσι ο κομμουνισμός σήμαινε ανέκαθεν πολύ περισσότερα από μόνη την άρνηση του καπιταλισμού, καθώς εμπλέκεται ευθύς εξαρχής στην κριτική στους άλλους κομμουνισμούς και τις σοσιαλιστικές ουτοπίες, στη σύγκρουση για το μέλλον».
88 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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September 19, 2019
عادت دارم وقتی کتاب جدیدی دست میگیرم به سال تولد مترجم نگاه کنم و اگر مقدمه مترجم وجود دارد حتما بخوانمش ... اینطوری حس اعتمادم به کتاب جذب یا دفع میشود که مبنای خرید آن است. وقتی تو شهر کتاب ساعی چشمم به این کتاب افتاد بیدرنگ آداب خرید کتاب را شروع کردم! خب جاذبه خوبی داشت، رو صندلی نشستم و مشغول خواندن شدم (خیلی دوست دارم که تو کتابفروشیها صندلی قرار میدهند!) 54 صفحه، یعنی نصف کتاب را خواندم! بخشهایی که کمونیسم، سرمایهداری، کار، بازار، بحران و ... را به صورت ساده تعریف میکند. به نظر میرسید کتاب یک پروپاگاندای محض است که برای شست و شوی مغزی خوانندگان نسل جدید آستین بالا زده که باور کنند کمونیسم فرم ایدهآل حکومت است. ولی باید کل کتاب را بخوانید تا کل تصویر کمونیسم و سرمایهداری را متوجه شوید.
کتاب سه بخش دارد. در بخش اول، مردم دو چیز یاد میگیرد: آنها میدانند سرمایهداری خوشحالشان نمیکند، و میدانند که کمونیسم این کار را میکند؛ پس تصمیم میگیرند کمونیسم را امتحان کنند. خب، تا اینجا مانند بقیه تعالیم حزبی بود! اما بخش بعدی پنج سناریویی که کمونیسم آزمایش شد را تعریف میکند؛ البته هیچ کدام موفق نشدند. هر آزمایش به طور شفاف مشخص میکند که چگونه آن نسخه از کمونیسم شکست خورد. آزمایش ششمی که تعریف میشود مربوط به آیندهای است که مردم مشکلهای کمونیسم را ارزیابی کردهاند و میخواهند راز تبدیل این ایدئولوژی ایدهآل به واقعیت را کشف کنند. البته روشن است که این اتفاق نیافتاده است!
بخش سوم و نطق ختام کتاب سنگین است (البته واقعا پانوشتهای مترجم خوب و کمکی است) و به بررسی پایان تاریخ (که فوکویاما اعلام کرده است) و آنالیز نقدهای کمونیسم و سرمایهداری میپردازد. سرانجام، کتاب خواننده را با چالشی روبرو میکند: "این کافی نیست که از شرایط بدتر دوری کنیم و گرفتار شرایط بد بشویم. موثرترین نوع محافظت در برابر بازگشت فاشیسم این نیست که جهانی که به ظاهر با آن مبارزه میکند را حفظ کنیم، در عوض باید جهانی متفاوت بسازیم. سیاستهای جدایی را باید با سیاستهای همبستگی به مبارزه طلبید. برای اولینبار در طول سالها، تاریخ بار دیگر باز است. تاریخ برای اظهار نظر باز است."
کمونیسم به عنوان یک پیشنهاد ارائه میشود. پیشنهادی که به تکانی اساسی برای عملی کردن تئوری نیاز دارد. پیام این کتاب این است که فکر کنید. البته این کار برای برخی مشکل ساز است، مشکلی از نوع خطرناک.
گویا کتاب واکنشهای دو قطبی زیادی داشته: "تلاشی برای فروش نسخهای جدید از سیستم اجتماعی و اقتصادی شکست خورده"، "کتابی درباره کمونیسم که نباید فروخته شود بلکه باید به صورت رایگان توزیع شود"، "تصویرسازیهای کتاب تبلیغاتی و چندش است" و .... البته تصاویر واقعا چندش است
کتاب سه بخش دارد. در بخش اول، مردم دو چیز یاد میگیرد: آنها میدانند سرمایهداری خوشحالشان نمیکند، و میدانند که کمونیسم این کار را میکند؛ پس تصمیم میگیرند کمونیسم را امتحان کنند. خب، تا اینجا مانند بقیه تعالیم حزبی بود! اما بخش بعدی پنج سناریویی که کمونیسم آزمایش شد را تعریف میکند؛ البته هیچ کدام موفق نشدند. هر آزمایش به طور شفاف مشخص میکند که چگونه آن نسخه از کمونیسم شکست خورد. آزمایش ششمی که تعریف میشود مربوط به آیندهای است که مردم مشکلهای کمونیسم را ارزیابی کردهاند و میخواهند راز تبدیل این ایدئولوژی ایدهآل به واقعیت را کشف کنند. البته روشن است که این اتفاق نیافتاده است!
بخش سوم و نطق ختام کتاب سنگین است (البته واقعا پانوشتهای مترجم خوب و کمکی است) و به بررسی پایان تاریخ (که فوکویاما اعلام کرده است) و آنالیز نقدهای کمونیسم و سرمایهداری میپردازد. سرانجام، کتاب خواننده را با چالشی روبرو میکند: "این کافی نیست که از شرایط بدتر دوری کنیم و گرفتار شرایط بد بشویم. موثرترین نوع محافظت در برابر بازگشت فاشیسم این نیست که جهانی که به ظاهر با آن مبارزه میکند را حفظ کنیم، در عوض باید جهانی متفاوت بسازیم. سیاستهای جدایی را باید با سیاستهای همبستگی به مبارزه طلبید. برای اولینبار در طول سالها، تاریخ بار دیگر باز است. تاریخ برای اظهار نظر باز است."
کمونیسم به عنوان یک پیشنهاد ارائه میشود. پیشنهادی که به تکانی اساسی برای عملی کردن تئوری نیاز دارد. پیام این کتاب این است که فکر کنید. البته این کار برای برخی مشکل ساز است، مشکلی از نوع خطرناک.
گویا کتاب واکنشهای دو قطبی زیادی داشته: "تلاشی برای فروش نسخهای جدید از سیستم اجتماعی و اقتصادی شکست خورده"، "کتابی درباره کمونیسم که نباید فروخته شود بلکه باید به صورت رایگان توزیع شود"، "تصویرسازیهای کتاب تبلیغاتی و چندش است" و .... البته تصاویر واقعا چندش است
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July 11, 2017This is written in a faux-naive tone that I found grating; one would assume that it's written as such because it's meant to be an introduction to Marx's more complex Capital, but it's not, because by the time you get to the "Epilogue" it would help to have some knowledge of Marx to know what is being put forth. And not a whole lot is being put forth. You can get the gist of it by looking at Twitter. For me it just read like a lot of theoretical wankery and a conclusion that goes, "Who knows", which is probably where you'll end up if you don't look at concrete historical examples (and this book doesn't--it's not that kind of book).
I don't want to give this a low rating because that puts me in the company of American conservatives going through the seven stages of the Red Scare or whatever. But I would suggest that everyone read Marx instead.
I don't want to give this a low rating because that puts me in the company of American conservatives going through the seven stages of the Red Scare or whatever. But I would suggest that everyone read Marx instead.
June 22, 2017
So, I have to give this book a mixed review: the "for kids" part, defining basic economic terms and communism & capitalism, was great. The second part, the trials, was ok - it would have been more effective had there been a stronger connection drawn between the two parts. The epilogue was essentially unreadable, though I'm sympathetic to the sentiments. I don't know if it's a translation issue or if the original language was a dense and opaque as the english translation is.
February 17, 2019
สนุก เป็นหนังสือเล่มเล็กๆ ที่หยิบมุมมองหลากหลายและวิธีการตีความคำว่า "คอมมิวนิสม์" ในภาคปฏิบัติมายอกย้อนว่านี่มันไม่ใช่คอมมิวนิสม์ตามที่วาดหวังหรือวาดฝันกันไว้นี่หว่า แถมยังชวนตั้งคำถามว่าแล้วคอมมิวนิสม์ที่แท้นั้นหน้าตาเป็นอย่างไร และเราจะมีทางเลือกอื่นนอกจากทุนนิยมหรือไม่
น่าเสียดายที่ฉบับพิมพ์ภาษาไทยผมว่า Proof ยังไม่ค่อยเรียบร้อย แถมเรื่องรูปเล่ม การจัดวาง และขนาดตัวหนังสือดูยังไม่ค่อยบาลานซ์เท่าไหร่ แต่ก็แนะนำให้ลองอ่านกันครับ
น่าเสียดายที่ฉบับพิมพ์ภาษาไทยผมว่า Proof ยังไม่ค่อยเรียบร้อย แถมเรื่องรูปเล่ม การจัดวาง และขนาดตัวหนังสือดูยังไม่ค่อยบาลานซ์เท่าไหร่ แต่ก็แนะนำให้ลองอ่านกันครับ
May 11, 2017
Despite the horror and disgust by the right at the idea of children being indoctrinated, as opposed to the default indoctrination of white supremacy, capitalism or the economy period, the state and the idea of government (which is indicated by all the single star reviews for the book on Amazon after a write up appeared on Brietbart news), this book is not actually written for a child. It's similar in name to the text 'The Totality for Kids' written by the Situationists, though this text is not needlessly dense. The book describes through simple analogy the complexity of striving toward a world that is not defined by the problems that structure the current hell we inhabit. The characters in the book explore different attempts at communism, presenting an idea of communism in which the struggle for communism is eternal and multiplicitous — as a continual openness toward the question of how to we want to live together.
November 4, 2022
im stil einer kindergeschichte werden die probleme des kapitalismus anschaulich dargestellt und der kommunismus als ausweg präsentiert. danach folgen erklärungen verschiedener modelle der kapitalismuskritik. sehr viel spaß beim lesen gehabt und das buch mit einem guten, hoffnungsvollen gefühl zugeklappt.
August 12, 2021
ประทับใจครึ่งเเรกมาก อ่านง่าย อธิบายคอนเซปเหมาะกับเป็นวิชาคอมมิวนิสม์ 101
เเต่พอเข้าบทส่งท้ายเท่านั้นเเหละ โอ้โห จากให้เด็กป.1 อ่าน โดดป๊าบบบบมาเป็นให้เด็ก ป.โทอ่านเลย เนื้อหาวิชาการท่วมท้น อ่านไปเเล้วโบกธงยอมเเพ้ ไม่ใช่ว่าเขียนไม่ดี เเต่ความรู้ไม่ถึงเลยอ่านไปด้วยสติปัญญาที่กรีดร้อง เเต่เมื่อเวลาผ่านไปจะกลับมาอ่านอีกครั้ง เพราะสัมผัสได้ว่าเนื้อหาในช่วงนี้ดีเลยทีเดียว วิพากษ์คอมในหลากหลายเเง่มุม ตอนนี้ยอมไปก่อน เดี๊ยวรอบหน้าจะกลับมาเเก้มือครับ
เเต่พอเข้าบทส่งท้ายเท่านั้นเเหละ โอ้โห จากให้เด็กป.1 อ่าน โดดป๊าบบบบมาเป็นให้เด็ก ป.โทอ่านเลย เนื้อหาวิชาการท่วมท้น อ่านไปเเล้วโบกธงยอมเเพ้ ไม่ใช่ว่าเขียนไม่ดี เเต่ความรู้ไม่ถึงเลยอ่านไปด้วยสติปัญญาที่กรีดร้อง เเต่เมื่อเวลาผ่านไปจะกลับมาอ่านอีกครั้ง เพราะสัมผัสได้ว่าเนื้อหาในช่วงนี้ดีเลยทีเดียว วิพากษ์คอมในหลากหลายเเง่มุม ตอนนี้ยอมไปก่อน เดี๊ยวรอบหน้าจะกลับมาเเก้มือครับ
April 28, 2025
ทั้งเล่มคนเขียนพยายามอธิบายว่าคอมมิวนิสต์ไม่ใช่อะไรมากกว่าจะนิยามมันตรงๆ พอตอนท้ายก็วิพากษ์ข้อวิพากษ์ของระบบทุน แต่ไม่ได้ให้คำตอบชัดเจนว่าควรวิพากษ์จุดไหน เพราะไม่งั้นมันก็จะติดกับดักโครงสร้างความคิดเดิมๆ สรุปว่ามันคือคำถามเกี่ยวกับความเป็นไปได้ของคอมมิวนอสต์มากกว่า ตั้งใจเปิดพื้นที้ให้คนอ่านคิดเองต่อ
September 27, 2019
I must begin by noting the fact that the title of this book is misleading, in that rather than being a text for children, the book utilizes simple vocabulary and situations to break down to the reader a concept, a historical moment, a program, an idea; long misunderstood because of the systematic obfuscation of its unmatchable transformative capacity by not only it's opponents, but almost as often, by it's proponents.
What amazed me about Communism for Kids is the fact that it attempts, despite its apparent simplicity, to articulate an idea of what communism ought to be that is at once soberingly grounded in, and liberatingly abstracted from the contradictory legacy of communist movements of the past. In touching upon necessary ideas such as the reclamation of the freedom to imagine the future, and the need to recalibrate the direction of critiques of capitalism away from standpoints directly rooted in fundamentally capitalist moments, Bini Adamczak's work is a winner. Additionally, but no less significantly, one must commend her on bringing to light the seldom discussed dichotomy between production and reproduction that plagues the capitalist present. That her book only features female characters, and constantly presses on the unobstructed masculinity of capitalist ethos of autonomy and individualism is a commendable feature of this work.
Do not be misled - this stiflingly academic lexicon is not representative of the tone of the book at large. Instead, Adamczak uses an analytical epilogue that illustrates with directness, how she employed engaging metaphors to explain particularly complex ideas in the narrative phase of her book. I do believe that this style is genuinely pioneering - that in a world plagued by consumerist, productivist, and circularist propaganda, the only way in which we can even begin to highlight the need for revolutionary change is by breaking things down to people in ways that will make sense to them even when they aren't willing to listen. Finally, I do believe that her encouragement of the exacerbation of radical movements' latent tendency to draw on each others strengths and vitalise each other is at once empowering and comforting. This, in tandem with the idea that we must allow ourselves to freely desire (a communist desire, at that) for a better future, rather than be status quoist in our imagination of how things must turn out, is an appealing, and not at all distorting exposition.
I cannot for the life of me underline how important it is to read this book, especially at this juncture in global history. I will leave it to Amazcak to lure you in, with one final statement:
Or,
What amazed me about Communism for Kids is the fact that it attempts, despite its apparent simplicity, to articulate an idea of what communism ought to be that is at once soberingly grounded in, and liberatingly abstracted from the contradictory legacy of communist movements of the past. In touching upon necessary ideas such as the reclamation of the freedom to imagine the future, and the need to recalibrate the direction of critiques of capitalism away from standpoints directly rooted in fundamentally capitalist moments, Bini Adamczak's work is a winner. Additionally, but no less significantly, one must commend her on bringing to light the seldom discussed dichotomy between production and reproduction that plagues the capitalist present. That her book only features female characters, and constantly presses on the unobstructed masculinity of capitalist ethos of autonomy and individualism is a commendable feature of this work.
The capitalist construction of labour is accompanied by the transformation of two separate spheres, production and reproduction, which in turn necessitate two distinct social complexes of knowledge, activity and effect. And with that comes two distinct subjectivities, gendered and dichotomized.
Do not be misled - this stiflingly academic lexicon is not representative of the tone of the book at large. Instead, Adamczak uses an analytical epilogue that illustrates with directness, how she employed engaging metaphors to explain particularly complex ideas in the narrative phase of her book. I do believe that this style is genuinely pioneering - that in a world plagued by consumerist, productivist, and circularist propaganda, the only way in which we can even begin to highlight the need for revolutionary change is by breaking things down to people in ways that will make sense to them even when they aren't willing to listen. Finally, I do believe that her encouragement of the exacerbation of radical movements' latent tendency to draw on each others strengths and vitalise each other is at once empowering and comforting. This, in tandem with the idea that we must allow ourselves to freely desire (a communist desire, at that) for a better future, rather than be status quoist in our imagination of how things must turn out, is an appealing, and not at all distorting exposition.
I cannot for the life of me underline how important it is to read this book, especially at this juncture in global history. I will leave it to Amazcak to lure you in, with one final statement:
The "eternal present" of capital has ended, for now. Under conditions of crisis, there is no mere defense of the status quo. It is bad enough to prevent the worst and get the bad. The most effective protection against the return of fascism is not to preserve the world it ostensibly fights, but to create a different world. The politics of separation can only be challenged by a politics of solidarity. For the first time in ages, history is open once again - for suggestions.
Or,
As you can see, the people don't always agree. You could even say they're all quite different - more different than before. But they can handle that pretty well. It makes them happy that there are so many differences between them. Otherwise it would get boring pretty fast. Finally, the people stop shaking their heads, and instead of saying "no," they start to say - HELLO - !"
September 30, 2019
Communism for Kids is a wonderful primer on the concept(s) of communism — for all ages. A lighthearted, lucid and rather fun exposition on the ideology — as abstracted from, as well as rooted in and enriched by, the experiences of the many communisms of the past —; this book also explains the pitfalls of capitalism and the problems of dissociating from the conditions it creates, even for a theory dichotomous to it. Through six 'trials', the book manages to explain the difference between communism in theory and praxis, emphasising on the need to bridge that gap. A brilliant, theoretical epilogue on the need for 'Communist Desire' — distinct from a desire for communism — closes this book, and leaves the reader with much to ponder upon.
Author Bini Adamczak's attempt here is not only to inform the reader with an understanding of communism that is untainted by its dominant antagonist, it is also to sensitise one towards other issues that are as pervasive and serious: as a queer rights activist, Adamczak imbibes her book with a subtle rejection and refutation of the male-as-norm. First, the book shifts the default male ('Man' or 'Mankind') to the feminine: rulers are princesses, and workers are referred to as female in the text as well. Then, it highlights the (capitalist) construction of a total dichotomy between production and reproduction. However, the illustrations are what give Communism for Kids its real feminist flavour: the female characters are not only depicted as the default, they are also shown in states of various kinds of bodily emancipation — from facial hair to armpit hair. The eyes of all characters are shaped like nipples, likely an attempt at rupturing the dominance of the phallocentric and phallogicentric in all discourse.
By bringing together modernity's two most infamous 'isms' with a highly accessible narrative style, Communism for Kids emerges victorious in a stream of academic expositions and hermeneutical arguments which drown out the will of the layperson itself (as does communism in existence without genuine 'communist desire'). A text for the times, this short, fun and highly informative book commands attention, and may even be described as essential reading — not only for those who wish to understand communism but also for those who wish to refute it. After all, as it says in the epilogue:
Author Bini Adamczak's attempt here is not only to inform the reader with an understanding of communism that is untainted by its dominant antagonist, it is also to sensitise one towards other issues that are as pervasive and serious: as a queer rights activist, Adamczak imbibes her book with a subtle rejection and refutation of the male-as-norm. First, the book shifts the default male ('Man' or 'Mankind') to the feminine: rulers are princesses, and workers are referred to as female in the text as well. Then, it highlights the (capitalist) construction of a total dichotomy between production and reproduction. However, the illustrations are what give Communism for Kids its real feminist flavour: the female characters are not only depicted as the default, they are also shown in states of various kinds of bodily emancipation — from facial hair to armpit hair. The eyes of all characters are shaped like nipples, likely an attempt at rupturing the dominance of the phallocentric and phallogicentric in all discourse.
By bringing together modernity's two most infamous 'isms' with a highly accessible narrative style, Communism for Kids emerges victorious in a stream of academic expositions and hermeneutical arguments which drown out the will of the layperson itself (as does communism in existence without genuine 'communist desire'). A text for the times, this short, fun and highly informative book commands attention, and may even be described as essential reading — not only for those who wish to understand communism but also for those who wish to refute it. After all, as it says in the epilogue:
For the first time in ages, history is open once again — for suggestions.And this is one that everyone must take.
September 30, 2018
Que achado maravilhoso esse livro!!! Encontrei sem querer olhando uma livraria e me encantei. O livro não é propriamente para crianças, mas a explicação dada em termos muito simples é preciosa e serve para crianças, porém acho que é mais para adultos. O epílogo traz uma excelente explicação acadêmica (aí sim certamente só para adultos) sobre o capitalismo, o comunismo e para onde vamos. Fiquei com saudades dos tempos de faculdade, hehe. Recomendo demais a leitura!!!
December 9, 2022
"Unei politici a dezbinării i se poate răspunde doar cu o politică a solidarității. 《Veșnicul prezent》al capitalului a luat deocamdată sfârșit. Pentru prima oară după mult timp, istoria așteaptă din nou propuneri."
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November 23, 2025Cannot figure out who this is intended for or what it was trying to accomplish. The main section and the epilogue are so drastically different in style and intent that they negate each other’s reasons for existing.
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August 29, 2022Reading this book is like eating candy. (I’m thinking of chewy gumdrops called “Mike and Ike.”) As you see, “communism” is not capitalized in the title – nor anywhere in the book – which suggests an anarchist slant. The book is pocket-sized, translated from German (written 2014) – published by the prestigious MIT Press! – with appealing all-female drawings by the author. It’s a fable, about a bunch of people abolishing capitalism & seeking a substitute. This part is particularly memorable:
“The best way,” a third person replies, “is for us to find a huge pot. Each of us will put a little of our money into this pot. Those who have a lot of money will put a lot in, and those who have a little will put a little in. Then we’ll share the money from the pot with the people…”
And so they do it. Everybody has to pay into the big pot, except that they call the pot the “state,” because it sounds better that way.
This is the best Left book I’ve read in 30 years. (Not that I read many Left books.)
“The best way,” a third person replies, “is for us to find a huge pot. Each of us will put a little of our money into this pot. Those who have a lot of money will put a lot in, and those who have a little will put a little in. Then we’ll share the money from the pot with the people…”
And so they do it. Everybody has to pay into the big pot, except that they call the pot the “state,” because it sounds better that way.
This is the best Left book I’ve read in 30 years. (Not that I read many Left books.)
February 11, 2018
Really wanted to like this. Bought it on a whim because it seemed like such a good, fun idea. But the execution of the "for kids" part reads like someone who has a pretty strong sense of what they're talking about rambling as they try to work out a good metaphor to explain it as they go. Nothing inherently wrong with that, it's a perfectly fine way to have a conversation with someone. But it really doesn't work in a book. The scenarios Adamczak describes as she spins out the metaphor she settles on are unclear and clumsy and fail to make her point. She sounds very convinced, though which is nice.
And then of course the "for kids" part is just a cover for her to give a turgid if passionate rant in the second half that seems like it was lifted from a zine she maybe co-published. Blah blah blah jargonese blah blah blah.
Oh well.
And then of course the "for kids" part is just a cover for her to give a turgid if passionate rant in the second half that seems like it was lifted from a zine she maybe co-published. Blah blah blah jargonese blah blah blah.
Oh well.
January 26, 2019
กล้า ท้าทาย ที่จะตั้งคำถามใหญ่ แม้ชื่อหนังสือจะบออกว่าเป็นไอเดียเรื่อง "คอมมิวนิสม์" แต่ผู้เขียนก็อธิบายให้เข้าใจถึงฝั่ง "ทุนนิยม" อย่างเข้มข้นด้วยไม่แพ้กัน บทสุดท้ายอ่านยากมาก เพราะเป็นการวิพากษ์แนวคิดฝ่ายซ้ายที่วิพากษ์ทุนนิยมอีกทีหนึ่ง แต่ช่วงปูพื้นฐานความเข้าใจถือว่าทำได้ดีและง่ายสำหรับผู้เริ่มต้นจริงๆ (โดยเฉพาะคำนิยมของ อ.สรวิศ ที่ช่วยสรุปสาระสำคัญของทั้งเล่มไว้ดีเหลือเกิน)
นี่เป็นหนังสือเล่มบางที่เขย่าความคิดเราอย่างแรง แม้จะยังไม่เข้าใจเนื้อหาตอนท้ายได้ทั้งหมดก็ตาม
นี่เป็นหนังสือเล่มบางที่เขย่าความคิดเราอย่างแรง แม้จะยังไม่เข้าใจเนื้อหาตอนท้ายได้ทั้งหมดก็ตาม
February 2, 2019
Ostavila me je ova knjižica tužnu i očajnu, jer uglavnom sadrži gomilu štabibilokadbibiloalikoznadalibimoglobitizama. Dakle, ništa od revolucionarnog poleta, samo dolivanje ulja na vatru u kojoj već dogoreva moj životni elan i svaka vera u bolju budućnost. 😭
Teorijski deo nije najbolje sročen i da nisam znala ništa o komunizmu, teško da bih išta saznala iz ovog konfuznog načina izlaganja. I da, ovo nije knjiga za decu, iako verujem da bi neko baš bistro dete i moglo ponešto da pohvata.
Teorijski deo nije najbolje sročen i da nisam znala ništa o komunizmu, teško da bih išta saznala iz ovog konfuznog načina izlaganja. I da, ovo nije knjiga za decu, iako verujem da bi neko baš bistro dete i moglo ponešto da pohvata.
February 19, 2025
A quick read with a clear linear approach to understanding socialist principles from a high level perspective. This book reviews different ways of organizing amongst working class people and includes unique sketches that add to the aesthetics of the book. The analysis at the end of the book is well written and leaves no stone unturned when it comes to explaining the examples explored in the “children’s story” portion of the book.
February 18, 2019
TW:
The translator Jacob is a known rapist, so not worth the read unless re-translated by someone else.
The translator Jacob is a known rapist, so not worth the read unless re-translated by someone else.
April 14, 2024
Ay no!! Esperaba muchísimo y no encontré ni la mitad de contenido que imaginé :(
Las ilustraciones no aportaron absolutamente nada al desarrollo del libro y teniendo en cuenta que es "para niños" deberían aprovechar el recurso para explicar más dinamicamente
Es importante que el lenguaje utilizado sea comprensible para el punlico objetivo, en este caso la informacion presentada en al menos 20 paginas es 0 digerible para un niño o alguien que no conoce teoría, teniendo en cuenta que aprox el 23% del libro ni siquiera cumple con lo que el título plantea, me parece una lectura bastante prescindible
Las ilustraciones no aportaron absolutamente nada al desarrollo del libro y teniendo en cuenta que es "para niños" deberían aprovechar el recurso para explicar más dinamicamente
Es importante que el lenguaje utilizado sea comprensible para el punlico objetivo, en este caso la informacion presentada en al menos 20 paginas es 0 digerible para un niño o alguien que no conoce teoría, teniendo en cuenta que aprox el 23% del libro ni siquiera cumple con lo que el título plantea, me parece una lectura bastante prescindible
May 19, 2020
I read the Italian translation (Il comunismo raccontato a un bambino (e non solo)) which isn't on here which is why I'm logging this.
It took me two years to read this dang book because I thought it would be a breezy summary + expansion of the Communist Manifesto but it's actually about Capital which I haven't read. Ultimately, that's probably the norm for most people reading this tho, personally, it would've been nice to have a little more background since Italian isn't my native language. Anyways, I think the summary of Capital was pretty well done tho it needed to be a bit more involved to help readers understand where her conclusions are coming from once she leaves the summary behind.
I also don't agree with all the conclusions at the end, but it is what it is and I'm just glad this book can go back on the shelf for a bit tbh 🤷♀️
It took me two years to read this dang book because I thought it would be a breezy summary + expansion of the Communist Manifesto but it's actually about Capital which I haven't read. Ultimately, that's probably the norm for most people reading this tho, personally, it would've been nice to have a little more background since Italian isn't my native language. Anyways, I think the summary of Capital was pretty well done tho it needed to be a bit more involved to help readers understand where her conclusions are coming from once she leaves the summary behind.
I also don't agree with all the conclusions at the end, but it is what it is and I'm just glad this book can go back on the shelf for a bit tbh 🤷♀️
October 1, 2018
ge-niál-ne napísané - je to celé písané v ženskom rode, resp. nie sú tam králi, princovia, roľníci, pracovníci - ale kráľovné, princezné, roľníčky, pracovníčky.
ešte si pamätám ako sme boli na výstave Bini v Berlíne, takže česká verzia jej knihy veľmi potešila!
a nie, neadoruje bývalý režim.
ešte si pamätám ako sme boli na výstave Bini v Berlíne, takže česká verzia jej knihy veľmi potešila!
a nie, neadoruje bývalý režim.
November 9, 2021
ทำให้อ่านง่ายผ่านความเปรียบตั่งต่าง ก็เข้าใจง่ายดี แต่หลังๆ รู้สึกรวบรัดไปนิด ฉันอ่านไม่เข้าใจอ่ะแก แต่คนชมเยอะมากเลย หรือมันอาจจะไม่ใช่แนวฉัน อาจต้องไปอ่านตัวเต็มหรืองานวิชาการที่เขียนชัดๆ มาก่อน มาอ่านอันนี้แล้วอาจจะเข้าใจความมหัศจรรย์ที่สรุปเรื่องยากให้เหมือนนิทานมากกว่านี้ มั้งนะ
January 10, 2023
This book spends 75 pages explaining why communism doesn't work and then 25 pages why it might maybe possibly work someday as long as we redefine what we mean by communism.
Dumb.
Two stars instead of one because it does provide a good definition of Communism (sic?) When merged with postmodern thought.
Dumb.
Two stars instead of one because it does provide a good definition of Communism (sic?) When merged with postmodern thought.
August 4, 2025
crying over BÜGELEISEN
February 10, 2025
MORE! COMMUNIST! CHILDREN‘S BOOKS!
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May 15, 2022หลายๆคนอาจจะติดภาพคอมมิวนิสต์ในแง่ร้ายต่างๆ หนังสือเริ่มนี้จะชวนคุณมาเข้าใจซะใหม่ เริ่มตั้งแต่ปัญหาของระบบทุนนิยม จนมาถึงรูปแบบของสังคมคอมมิวนิสต์ต่างๆ ถ่ายทอดด้วยภาษาที่เข้าใจง่าย แต่บทวิเคราะห์ช่วงหลังอ่านยากไป
September 27, 2017
The illustrations are really good and that's about it.
The book's take on what is communism is a very particular theoretical position, which may not appeal to many people even if they identify as left or even communists. That's not the biggest problem with it.
The book is divided into two roughly equal parts. The first one, presumably intended for kids, lays out in cartoon metaphors the author's idea of what is capitalism, a few alternatives and what is not communist about them, and finally what the communism would be. This is followed by an epilogue, which explains for the adults what those metaphorical kiddie stories meant.
It shows how bad the first part is at being 'for kids' if the author herself realises it needs to be explained again to the adults.
The book's take on what is communism is a very particular theoretical position, which may not appeal to many people even if they identify as left or even communists. That's not the biggest problem with it.
The book is divided into two roughly equal parts. The first one, presumably intended for kids, lays out in cartoon metaphors the author's idea of what is capitalism, a few alternatives and what is not communist about them, and finally what the communism would be. This is followed by an epilogue, which explains for the adults what those metaphorical kiddie stories meant.
It shows how bad the first part is at being 'for kids' if the author herself realises it needs to be explained again to the adults.
May 18, 2020
This is one of the most important books I've ever read, because while it doesn't go particularly in-depth into any of the topics it covers, it gives you a good canvas of the basic thinking behind WHY socialism, syndicalism, mutualism and communism as well as all of their many variants exist as ideas.
Like the title says, this is a book that even children can understand and it's all the better for adult learners because of that. It's relatively short and easy to read and gives you a launching point for further questioning and analysis.
If you have to start somewhere and don't want to make a leap of faith into multiple hundred or thousand page long anthologies written by dead philosophers and politicians, this is the place to do it.
Like the title says, this is a book that even children can understand and it's all the better for adult learners because of that. It's relatively short and easy to read and gives you a launching point for further questioning and analysis.
If you have to start somewhere and don't want to make a leap of faith into multiple hundred or thousand page long anthologies written by dead philosophers and politicians, this is the place to do it.
February 26, 2018
The story developed by Bini to explain what communism means for kids is brilliant! And the bulk of drawings are as radiant as they can possibly be. However, the epilogue, as many people mentioned, represented a both sturdy and difficult text to understand. As always capitalism is a system of capital accumulation full of contradictions, which venerate a good study to move beyond the current political and economic impasse, shown by this book. A singular effort to dwell into the intricacies of capitalism and its alternatives, for grownups and the young members of the upcoming generation.
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