آشنایی با مارکس

Philosophers in 90 Minutes #17

by Paul Strathern, کاظم فیروزمند (Translator)

آشنایی با فیلسوفان مجموعه‌ای از زندگی‌نامه‌های فیلسوفان مشهور است که برای گشودن باب آشنایی با اندیشه‌ها و دیدگاه‌های آنان مدخل مناسب و مغتنمی به‌نظر می‌رسد. در هر کتاب گذشته از ارائهٔ اطلاعات زندگی‌نامه‌ای، افکار هر فیلسوف در رابطه با تاریخ فلسفه به‌طور کلی و نیز در رابطه با جریان‌ها و تحولات فکری و اجتماعی و فرهنگی عصر او بازگو می‌شود و بدون ورود به جزئیات نظریات و عقاید او، مهم‌ترین نکته‌های آن‌ها با بیانی ساده و روشن و در عین حال موثق و سنجیده بیان می‌شود. اساس کار در این کتاب‌ها سادگی و اختصار بوده است تا جوانان و نیز همهٔ خوانندگان علاقه‌مندی که از پیش مطالعات فلسفی زیادی نداشته‌اند بتوانند به آسانی از آن‌ها بهره بگیرند و چه بسا همین صفحات اندک انگیزهٔ پی‌جویی بیش‌تر و دنبال کردن مطالعه و پژوهش در این زمینه شود.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, History, Biography, Audiobook, Economics, Politics

68 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2001

About the author

Paul Strathern (born 1940) is a English writer and academic. He was born in London, and studied at Trinity College, Dublin, after which he served in the Merchant Navy over a period of two years. He then lived on a Greek island. In 1966 he travelled overland to India and the Himalayas. His novel A Season in Abyssinia won a Somerset Maugham Award in 1972.

Besides five novels, he has also written numerous books on science, philosophy, history, literature, medicine and economics.

Reviews

[Nativeabuse · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really terrible introduction to Marx, although the title should have been an indication.

The book is written by a man who is clearly hostile to Marx, which makes the reading very annoying, also 60-70 % of the book consisted of a history of Marx's life itself as opposed to discussions of his ideas. This was really over the top and is not at all what I wanted.

Avoid at all costs.

[Theo Logos · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel many people come to this series with unrealistic expectations and basic misunderstandings of what these books are attempting to accomplish. I have read several of them now, and see the same reactions in the reviews of each one:
1. He barely touched on the philosophy/got it wrong/disrespected it/ obviously doesn’t understand it.
2. Why is it giving me biographical details of philosophers life?
3. This is a terrible book to introduce this philosopher - so disrespectful!

Okay, this series is giving you 90 minute introductions to some of history’s most complex thinkers. What are you expecting? These are not meant to be anything beyond a tease. At a basic level, they give you dinner party repartee, the ability to drop a witty one liner about a philosopher being discussed and look like you aren’t totally ignorant on the subject. (This can work if you know when to shut up and let truly knowledgeable people carry the conversation.)

As for the biographical material? Understanding a little about a philosopher’s life can give some insight about why he thought as he did, plus, it’s far easier to deliver in the allotted time. It makes sense, if you understand the intent of the series.

Finally, the author writes in a witty style that intentionally pokes at sacred cows and exploits the quirks and oddities of his subject to do so (and many philosophers are notoriously quirky and odd). If you are a true devote of any of these guys and have a true believer’s lack of humor, you will walk away offended. To make a book like this worthwhile at all, this is pretty much necessary.

You won’t get any deep understanding from this book, or any book in the series. What you will get is a well written, witty tease that may tempt you to move on and learn more, or may just sharpen your dinner party repartee.

[Mustakim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened the audiobook version of this book. This book covers more about Marx than his Philosophy. I think a YouTube video or documentary on Marx would be far better and more informative than this book. Not recommended.

Rating - 2.5/5

[Public Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure what I expected from a book called "Marx in 90 Minutes" but this book still managed not to meet my expectations. So much of this brief volume focuses on the biographical details of Marx's life (one point to Strathern, I did not know that Karl Marx's wife Jenny was a baronness!) and so little time on Marxian theory - you know, the part that people actually care about when they see a title like "Marx in 90 Minutes." So you have 30 pages of Marx biography and a little north of 30 pages of Marxian theory - but even in those brief 30 pages the author can't resist the opportunity to apply his own capitalist critique of Marxism while giving it the shortest of shrift. There were about two pages that helped me grasp Marxism in a meaningful way - the rest was mostly biographical filler and the author's "objective" interpretation of Marxian theory. Your 90 minutes are better spent elsewhere.

[Luís Garcia · Rating 1 out of 5]

A vomit. Thanks for the biography resume, it can be useful. The other 80% are old and silly clichés against Marx and communism, plus childish attempts to make Marx's life and behavior sound as ridiculous as possibly.
Paul Strathern DOES NOT understand Marx's ideas at all, and he writes as a typical reactionary. Therefore, he should not write about it.
And finally, when he wrote it, people like him were really believing in the "end of history" thanks to the USSR collapse, and worst, they believed capitalism would be there forever once it was undoubtedly the "lesser bad"... Ah, what a shortsighted guy...

(Lampang, Thailand)

[Deniz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great for me to read this book right after I read Hegel's. The less gossip could be better though.

[anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

i just wanted a quick little audiobook while i was finishing my craft project and i could not have chosen worse. i wasn't expecting a lot, and yet!

first of all, marx's actual philosophy is like five minutes of the title's hour. the rest is spent on criticising said philosophy and spewing pro-capitalist nonsense; sketching marx's biography with a heavy focus on his bourgeoisie family and a weirdly high amount of anecdotes clearly aimed to discredit & ridicule marx. overall, just a load of anti-communist garbage. literally more informative would be to read marx's wiki page.

[Karyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't waste your 90 minutes. Or less.

[Osama · Rating 4 out of 5]

كتاب قصير يحكي قصة كارل ماركس ويقدم مجموعة من أفكاره الأساسية التي غيرت ملامح التاريخ. نشأ ماركس في اسرة يهودية غيرت دينها للمسيحية لتتكيف مع ظروف الحياة في أوروبا خلال القرن التاسع عشر. نبغ ماركس في دراسته الجامعية وكون صداقة قوية مع فيلسوف آخر هو انجلز. فكرة ماركس الأساسية تقوم على مبدا الديلاكتيك بمعنى التناقض والصراع بين فكرة قائمة وفكرة جديدة، ومع انتصار الفكرة الجديدة فإنها تصطدم بفكرة أخرى وهكذا يستمر الصراع بين الأفكار على مدى التاريخ. الفكرة الأخرى المهمة هي الصراع بين البروليتاريا اي الطبقة العاملة ضد طبقة الرأسمالية اي التجار والبرجوازيين. فاستغلال الرأسمالية الجشع يمتص دماء وعرق العمال، ونادى بأن يتحد العمال معا بمواجهة الرأسمالية. حظيت أفكار ماركس باهتمام كبير حيث اعتنقها ما يقارب ثلث انظمة الحكم في العالم خلال النصف الثاني من القرن العشرين ممثلة اساسا في الاتحاد السوفيياتي والصين وغيرهم، لكن الشيوعية فشلت فشلا ذريعا وانهارت في مقابل ازدهار الرأسمالية وسيطرتها على العالم. هناك انظمة مثل الدول الاسكندنافية نجحت في خلق نوع من التوازن بين السياستين ومزجت بين الراسمالية المنتجة والمبدعة والاشتراكية التي تهتم بالفئات المحرومة.

[Edward ott · Rating 1 out of 5]

More about Marx life than about Marxism. Cannot recommend this book as an intro to Marxism.

[aurora]

نوشتهٔ زیر حاوی مواردی از کتاب هست که برام جالب بود (تاثیر فلاسفه بر هم، ریشه‌های فکری ، روح زمانه و شرایط اقتصادی و ..) و برای تمرکز بیشتر موقع خوندن کتاب نوشته شده و ممکنه کتاب رو. اسپویل کنه.
#عوامل مؤثر بر فلسفه مارکس،تعالیم هگل(تز و آنتی تز که نهایتا از آن روح مطلق حاصل میشود که جایگزین خدا شود+خدا مرده است+خلا روحانی سرخوردگی از دین+ایده آلیستیک و روحانی) + اومانیست و اخلاق‌گرا فویرباخ( پذیرش ساختار و پویایی هگلی اما تفسیر اومانیستی که روح مطلق چیزی جز خودآگاهی‌ خود انسان نیست+ اومانیستیک و ماتریالیستیک) و مارکس ماتریالیستی فویرباخ رو پذیرفت اما بر هگلی نبودنشان خرده گرفت.
#مارکس نظری معکوس اشتاینر در اینکه آگاهی در عمل از شرایط بیرونی بوجود می‌آید نه برعکس داشت.
# معتقد بود تغییر سیاست ملزم به تغییر اقتصاد بنابراین مطالعات اقتصادی + فراهم کردن پایه فلسفی برای تفکر خود، در غالب نظریه شناخت(زمینه شناخت، آزمون شناخت، چگونگی شناخت).
#ارائه ماتریالیسمی متفاوت از پیشینیان. چطور؟ پیشینان احساس و ادراکات (تجارب) منفعل ‌اند اما در ماتریالیسم مارکس تأثیر متقابل اتفاق می‌افتد و این عین(جهان اطراف) در جریان شناخت دگرگون می‌شود و ادراک ما نمود جهان را می‌یابد بنابراین نمی‌تواند حقیقت باشد. بنابراین انفعالی نیست و هدفدار است و میتوان با روش علمی بر آن تسلط یافت یا در آن تغییر ایجاد کرد. یعنی فرایندی دوسویه (کنشی و واکنشی) همسو با دیالکتیک. «فیلسوفان پیشین جهان را فقط تفسیر کرده‌اند، اما وظیفه اصلی تغییر دادن آن است. »
در مانیفست کمونیست، تحلیلی کوبنده ضد اقتصاد کلاسیک ارائه شد #مبنی بر اینکه بازار آزاد، تجارت آزاد_ اینها به سود سرمایه‌داران کار می‌کردند، به هزینه پرولتاریایی که صرفا استثمار می‌شد. مانیفست شامل توصیه اصلاحاتی برای سرمایه‌داری هم می‌شد اما نهایتا تنها راه‌حل سرنگونی سرمایه‌داری بود. «کارگران سراسر جهان متحد شوید!»
بعد از انتشار، دوباره به روند دیالکتیک خود ادامه داد و با پشت کردن به انقلاب های متأخر به انتشار مانیفست، «اتحادیه کمونیست» را به حیرت فروبرد و معتقد بود که طبقه کارگر باید با بورژوازی دموکراتیک همکاری می‌کرد تا چیز باارزشی بدست آید.
ایده‌های مارکس در تکامل آگاهی به این شکل بود که آن را پیدایشی #دیالکتیک وار و نه از طریق بقای اصلح می‌داند (در سال ۱۸۵۹ پیدایش انواع داروین به چاپ رسید) و ما در آغاز با طبیعت هماهنگ بودیم (تز) و در تضاد با طبیعت خود را انسان یافتیم(آنتی تز) از این مبارزه آگاهی ما زاده شد(سنتز) و تکامل بیشتر آگاهی انسانی امری همبسته با مبارزه است. اما به عنوان مثال در اقتصاد، تقسیم کار به منظور افزایش بهره‌وری، به از «از خود بیگانگی» منجر می‌شد که انسان را از «پیشه‌وری خلاق» به «رنج‌بری عاری از انسانیت» تبدیل میکرد.
+باقی کتاب، حدود ۱۲ صفحه پایانی، آراء اقتصادی مارکس و نظر استر راجع اون‌ها(که این نظر یحتمل شخصی نیست و برپایه اقتصاد نوین و تاریخ نوشته شده) و تاثیری که مارکس بر جهانِ بعد از مرگ‌�� گذاشت و سرنوشت اون تأثیرات. به نظرم حجم اختصاص‌یافته در کتاب در مورد هرکدوم از موارد زندگی شخصی، روابط، آراء و فلسفه، نسبت به صفحات کتاب مناسب بود و باید باز هم بدونیم که قضاوت کار ما نیست، اون هم بر پایه اطلاعات خیلی بیسیک. صرفا نقشه کلی رو در اختیارمون میذاره تا بنابر نیاز و علاقه به سراغ جزئیات موردنظرمون بریم.

[Roberto Yoed · Rating 1 out of 5]

Despite the presentation of unusual historical facts (such as Stirner's influence on Marx or Mary Burns on Engels), Paul tries to defend capitalists (I'm not kidding) because they invest their money and risk with "crazy" ideas.

The next time I see my boss on my work I'm going to tell him that I want his duties of "investing" and he takes the risk of being crushed by the boxes I accomodate daily.

What a simpleton is Paul Strathern.

[Vivek KuRa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This "Marx in 90 minutes" is nothing but an attempt to some how muckrake Marx by probing into his unimportant personal life matters and therefore discredit, deflate his work and contribution .Any insincere minimal attempt at explaining Marxism or an effort to understand his works in this book is completely failed by the author's superficial understanding of the ideology with heaps of selection bias and cliched rhetorics .

Steer clear.

[Daniel Díez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Me ha servido mucho para empezar poco a poco con Marx. Ahora bien, el autor es un cansino, tiene que dejar todo el rato claro lo equivocadisimo que estaba Marx. Excluyendo esas partes (que son muchas) las partes en las que explica su filosofía están bien.

[Jack Bumby · Rating 3 out of 5]

It felt more like 'Marx: An Hour of My Personal Opinions and Criticisms'.

This might be my fault - I thought it would be more of a sum up of Marx's ideas. I wanted the facts straight and unbiased so I could make up my own mind. It feels like Strathern is no fan of Marx, painting him as a shlubby bohemian, whose ideas were ok at times. He also makes it clear that Communism never worked and will never, ever, ever work.

In the book's defense (and explaining the rating) it was very well written and it was genuinely interesting. I learnt a lot about the man and the basics of his ideas and it left me wanting to learn more. Which I guess is really the point of a book like this.

[Ant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. As one who has never studied philosophy in any structured fashion but is interested in the great ideas of our time, these books provide a brief introduction to both the thinker and the thoughts. They provide a great basis from which to learn more. Or to make the decision to abandon further study.
In this case, having read the manifesto this book provided further insight into the life of the author and the wider scope of his thoughts.

[D · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Author is pretty snarky and dismissive. Don't feel like the ideas were really fully explained. The bio of Marx is decent, but overall the bias and lack of explanations of the theory justify giving this a pass.

[Kara of BookishBytes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this audiobook and then The Communist Manifesto. The 90 minute summary was incredibly helpful because Marx is not a good writer and his work was painful to read. Without the summary, I might not have finished the book.

[ehk2 · Rating 1 out of 5]

It isn't worth for even your easily waste-able 90 minutes. Strathern is on his notorious form as usual for the thinkers he dislikes.

[Akshay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marx: Philosophy in an Hour by Paul Strathern

"Philosophy is not merely to interpret the world, but to change it." – Karl Marx

Paul Strathern's *Marx: Philosophy in an Hour* is a brisk, accessible, and frequently witty introduction to one of the most polarizing intellectuals in modern history. Designed for readers who may find traditional philosophical biographies daunting, this slim volume delivers what it promises: a digestible yet intellectually stimulating overview of Marx's life, context, and core ideas—all within about sixty minutes of reading time.

Structure & Style

The book opens with a concise biographical sketch, highlighting Marx's youth, intellectual formation, and political activism. It then distills the essence of Marxist theory: historical materialism, class struggle, alienation, and revolution. Strathern’s hallmark style—dry humor combined with sharp summarization—shines throughout.

For instance, the author manages to discuss Das Kapital and The Communist Manifesto with admirable economy, stripping away the jargon without trivializing the ideas. That is a rare talent.

Critical Psychoanalysis & Comparative Reflection

To truly appreciate Strathern’s take on Marx, one must assess the book within the broader ecosystem of contemporary philosophical primers and popular biographies. Let’s break this down:

With Alain de Botton’s The Consolations of Philosophy: While de Botton anthropomorphizes and softens philosophers to make them 'relatable', Strathern holds a mirror up to Marx’s harsh determinism. His Marx is less a comforting sage and more a frustrated prophet, almost Freudian in the way he sublimates personal dissatisfaction into world-altering theory. The brevity does not dull Marx’s sharpness—in fact, it often accentuates his uncompromising edge. Compared to Terry Eagleton’s Why Marx Was Right: Eagleton engages in a detailed political and ideological defense of Marx. Strathern, on the other hand, observes Marx. There’s a certain clinical detachment—almost Lacanian—in the way he portrays Marx’s messianic fervor, noting that his desire for systemic upheaval may have masked a deeper, personal alienation. This subtle psychoanalytic lens is what distinguishes Strathern from other pop philosophers. Vs. Will Durant’s classical works: Durant lavishes philosophical figures with awe and veneration. Strathern satirizes them—he peels away Marx’s grandeur with a smile, revealing the neurotic, failed academic who made more enemies than friends. Yet paradoxically, it is through this unflinching portrayal that Marx’s genius becomes even more convincing.

Psychological Profile of Marx (as interpreted through Strathern’s lens)

 - Obsessive need to intellectualize suffering. - Severe father complex: desire to outmatch Hegel and all bourgeois figures. - Emotional repression via political rhetoric. - Rigid idealism masking deep personal insecurities. 

By presenting Marx’s theories as extensions of his own unresolved psychodrama, Strathern invites us to consider the *personal roots of ideology*. There’s a quiet brilliance in this approach—almost Jungian—hinting that every philosopher is ultimately solving their own existential puzzle, not merely the world’s.

Strengths

Efficient without being superficial. Humorous tone keeps the subject engaging. Surprisingly deep psychological undercurrents for such a short book.

Weaknesses

Oversimplification: Marx’s nuanced economic theories are glossed over. No engagement with post-Marxist thought: Althusser, Gramsci, and Frankfurt School are absent. Occasional sarcasm may seem dismissive to serious scholars.

Yes, Marx died in obscurity. Yes, his ideas shaped revolutions that caused immense suffering. But Strathern doesn’t moralize—he lets the facts provoke your judgment.

Final Verdict

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Marx: Philosophy in an Hour is a sharp scalpel of a book—small, precise, and capable of cutting deep. If you’re looking for a philosophical baptism or an intellectual appetizer before diving into Marx proper, this is a perfect entry point. But like Marx himself, the book leaves more questions than answers—and that’s perhaps its greatest strength.

[Guillermo Martínez · Rating 4 out of 5]

No es gran cosa a nivel teórico sobre las propuestas de Marx, pero habla de varios aspectos de su vida y algo de lo que proponía, tanto en el plano filosófico como económico. Una lectura amena, al fin y al cabo.

[Garth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a favourite but better than some in the series...

[Addilynne · Rating 1 out of 5]

clearly told from a capatist perspective and a failed grasp of marx's philosophy what a turd, don't waste your time this guy is a f*cking moron

[Eric Hewes · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book taught me two things: 1. You can't summarize marx well in 90 minutes 2. The author had no interest in doing so. I highly recommend you put in the time and read karl marx: a 19th century life by johnathan sperber. it has the same biographical focus with a less laughable section on theory at the end. all done while maintaining an appropriate scholarly neutrality

[Rodney Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Marx in 90 Minutes" seemed the least helpful of all the Philosopher's in 90 Minutes I have read so far. It was very scant for a figure who looms so large on the modern socio-economic stage. That being said, it could serve well as a first introduction to those who know little to nothing about the Communist thought leader.

[Jonathan Bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

One gains an outstanding and detailed overview of this derivative monster's work in its historical context. One also glimpses insights into his character.

[Madeline Mace · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick overview of Karl Marx’s life and briefly touching on his political views and writings. Very very short summery.

[Hakan · Rating 4 out of 5]

damn, capitalism.

[#DÏ4B7Ø Chinnamasta-Bhairav]

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}--- :}|{:-:}|{:- * FOLLOW 4 FOLLOW * -:}|{:-:}|{: ---{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}--------:}|{:-:}|{:- * LINKS * -:}|{:-:}|{:----------{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
***********************************************

~} * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * - * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * {~
* -} {- *

~} * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * - * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * {~

* -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- *

* -:}|{}|{:- ^ AUDIOBOOK ^ -:}|{}|{:- *

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

* -:}|{}|{:- * SUMMARY * -:}|{}|{:- *

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

* -:}|{:- * RATING * -:}|{:- * /10 * -:}|{:- *

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

* -:}|{}|{: =EXPERIENCES=&=DISCERNMENTS= :}|{}|{:- *

* -:}|{}|{: = = }|{}|{:- *

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

* -} https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VWrl... {- *

* -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- *

* -} Gestalt Psychology Simplified with Examples and Principles {- *

* -:}|{}|{: = MY SYNTHESISED ( ^ GESTALT ^ ) OF THE * -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- * ( WAY THE AUTHOR FRAMES = HIS WRITING PERSPECTIVES ) & ( POINTERS & IMPLICATIONS = the conclusion that can be drawn IMPLICITYLY from something although it is not EXPLICITLY stated ) = :}|{}|{:- *

* -:}|{}|{: = ? = }|{}|{:- *

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

To SEE a WORLD in a Grain of Sand,
And a HEAVEN in a Wild Flower,
Hold INFINITY in the palm of your hand
And ETERNITY in an Hour"
~ William Blake ~

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

“Wisdom tells me I am nothing. Love tells me I am everything. And between the two my life flows.” Nisargadatta Maharaj

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

Form is Emptiness; Emptiness is form.
Form is not different than Emptiness;
Emptiness is not different than form
~ Heart Sutra ~

Like the ocean and its waves,
inseparable yet distinct

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

" I and The Father are one,
I am The Truth,
The Life and The Path.”

Like a river flowing from its source,
connected and continuous

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

Thy kingdom come.
Let the reign of divine
Truth, Life, and Love
be established in me,
and rule out of me all sin;
and may Thy Word
enrich the affections of all mankind

A mighty oak tree standing firm against the storm,
As sunlight scatters the shadows of night
A river nourishing the land it flows through

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clearly, there’s more to Marx than can be understood in 90 minutes, although the amount that most people truly know of Marx could be stated in less than 9 minutes. While Marx is condemned for his condemnation of capitalism, Marx offered a list of reforms for capitalism that are widely accepted today, including a progressive income tax, the abolition of child labor, and free education for all children.

This Marx statement wasn’t cited in the Strathern summary but is hard to refute: “I am ugly, but I can buy for myself the most beautiful of women. Therefore, I am not ugly, for the effect of ugliness-its deterrent power is nullified by money. I, in my character as an individual, am lame, but money furnishes me with twenty-four feet. Therefore, I am not lame. I am bad, dishonest, unscrupulous, stupid; but money is honoured (sic), and therefore so is its possessor. Money is the supreme good, therefore its possessor is good. Money, besides, saves me the trouble of being dishonest: I am therefore presumed honest. I am stupid, but money is the real mind of all things and how then should its possessor be stupid? Besides, he can buy talented people for himself, and is he who has power over the talented not more talented than the talented? Do not I, who thanks to money am capable of all that the human heart longs for, possess all human capacities? Does not my money transform all my incapacities into their contrary?”