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Why America Needs Socialism: The Argument from Martin Luther King, Helen Keller, Albert Einstein, and Other Great Thinkers
“The debate over socialism in America is long overdue. This timely book is a good place to start! Don’t miss it!”—Cornel West
“This timely book shows how many notable Americans criticized capitalism and endorsed socialism. Just emerging from Cold War taboos surrounding these issues, we confront a global capitalism with its deep flaws (inequality, instability, injustice) now in very blatant forms. Considering capitalism's failures and the socialist alternatives, we can learn much here from how other thoughtful Americans grasped the need for a transition to socialism.”—Richard D. Wolff
“A little gem of a book! In straightforward prose, Griffin makes a strong case for thoroughly democratizing our economy or, in other words, for establishing the cooperative and socializing arrangements we could call socialism.”—Frances Fox Piven
"At a moment when we know ecological sustainability and capitalism are incompatible, answering Why America Needs Socialism is an essential piece to how we'll move forward. When we can use prominent voices, as Garrett has, to contribute to the dialogue, it helps us to get a foot in a door that's been sealed shut by Cold War-era propaganda. As folks gain more and more access to information, they are able to debunk myths and misinformation. We're seeing the support for socialism grow every day as a result. G.S. Griffin's book can be another needed contribution to that developing discourse—a discourse that absolutely must lead to action."—Mimi Soltysik, Former Presidential Candidate and National Co-Chair of the Socialist Party USA
Due to the massive inequality and other issues caused by post-World War II capitalism, today’s young people are embracing socialism, which has been reflected in the U.S. by the ascendancy of politicians such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. This is not a new trend, however, as historical icons such as Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King, Jr., Helen Keller, and Mahatma Gandhi, among many others, spoke boldly against capitalism and in support of socialist ideals.
Why America Needs Socialismpresents a contemporary case for socialism built on the words and ideas of history’s greatest leaders, thinkers, and artists. Exploring their views and connecting them to present day struggles, this book is crucial reading for anyone seeking to learn from the past in order to change today’s world in revolutionary ways.
- GenresPoliticsNonfictionTheory
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2019
14 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
G.S. Griffin
3 books5 followers G.S. Griffin is an activist writer in Kansas City, cofounder of the Kansas City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, co-founder of a cooperative to support progressive causes and candidates and works in political advocacy at Communities Creating Opportunity.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 4, 2021
This book contains a thorough collection and discussion of the deficiencies of capitalism and the contrasting advantages of socialism. The book is filled with many footnoted sources so anyone contemplating writing an essay on this subject can find numerous information sources within its text.
The book begins by making the case that the evolution of humans through the hunter-gatherer era suggests that the wage earning environment created by industrialization is not well suited for the health and well-being of humans. Humans are hard-wired to work for the common good if the correct environment is provided, but capitalistic economies discourage such conditions.
It is in the nature of capitalism to encourage exploitation of wage earners who in turn compete against each other. The profit motive is conducive to the creation of an underclass of low paid workers and working conditions that are physically and mentally unhealthy.
The corruption of politics through the payment of campaign expenses by the wealthy is also reviewed. The book also describes the many ways in which capitalistic economies benefit from and encourage war.
Then in Part 2 of the book it moves on to the subject of the virtues and benefits of socialism. The author makes it clear that he's not promoting the top-down imposition of socialism that is characteristic of Communism nor the potential confusion created by anarchism. The author envisions a socialistic economy that truly strives to serve the best interests of the common good. The book lays out the many virtues of cooperative style ownership of work places.
The book suggests paths through which the United States could evolve peacefully toward a socialistic economy. It mentions the word "revolution" in the form of public demonstrations that tend to change the minds of politicians. I suppose the large crowds created by Bernie Sander's campaign are examples of this potential. This book together with the recent rhetoric of Bernie Sanders should help remove the stigma that many Americans have placed around the word socialism.
The book is filled with quotations from widely respected historical leaders, thinkers, and artists made in the support of socialism. Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King, Jr., Helen Keller, and Gandhi are examples of some of those quoted. I think it was misleading to list three of these names in the subtitle of the book because these characters are not the major focus of the book. These quotations appear to have been tacked on in order to add respectability to the arguments being made.
The book begins by making the case that the evolution of humans through the hunter-gatherer era suggests that the wage earning environment created by industrialization is not well suited for the health and well-being of humans. Humans are hard-wired to work for the common good if the correct environment is provided, but capitalistic economies discourage such conditions.
It is in the nature of capitalism to encourage exploitation of wage earners who in turn compete against each other. The profit motive is conducive to the creation of an underclass of low paid workers and working conditions that are physically and mentally unhealthy.
The corruption of politics through the payment of campaign expenses by the wealthy is also reviewed. The book also describes the many ways in which capitalistic economies benefit from and encourage war.
Then in Part 2 of the book it moves on to the subject of the virtues and benefits of socialism. The author makes it clear that he's not promoting the top-down imposition of socialism that is characteristic of Communism nor the potential confusion created by anarchism. The author envisions a socialistic economy that truly strives to serve the best interests of the common good. The book lays out the many virtues of cooperative style ownership of work places.
The book suggests paths through which the United States could evolve peacefully toward a socialistic economy. It mentions the word "revolution" in the form of public demonstrations that tend to change the minds of politicians. I suppose the large crowds created by Bernie Sander's campaign are examples of this potential. This book together with the recent rhetoric of Bernie Sanders should help remove the stigma that many Americans have placed around the word socialism.
The book is filled with quotations from widely respected historical leaders, thinkers, and artists made in the support of socialism. Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King, Jr., Helen Keller, and Gandhi are examples of some of those quoted. I think it was misleading to list three of these names in the subtitle of the book because these characters are not the major focus of the book. These quotations appear to have been tacked on in order to add respectability to the arguments being made.
January 29, 2021
I was expecting to see more of a comprehensive view of what these historical figures said/wrote about the issue, but it seemed to be more of a side point tacked on the end of the argument the author is making. It wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't exactly what I was looking for.
May 11, 2025
An incredible primer on Capitalism. A faulty and incomplete presentation of socialist, anarchist, and communist ideas. Nonetheless, a great argument for the redistribution of wealth and power from the ruling class to the working class and the larger public - the ultimate righteous goal of socialism.
Great book for someone who needs an introduction to analyzing capitalism and it's affects on America and the world. In the first half, Griffin does a great job of breaking down capitalist economy and its effects into 7 categories for analysis and discussion: Human Nature, Exploitation, The Profit Motive: Present Economies, The Profit Motive: People and Planet, Poverty, Capitalist Politics, and War.
I did not learn anything particularly new as someone who, by my goodreads history you may tell, has already done extensive reading on Capitalism and critique of such. However, I couldn't help but think how excellent this would serve as a broad and substantial learning experience for someone who has only ever thought briefly about capitalism, and in limited terms, and thus has a limited understanding. I think Griffin did a masterful job of this, and taken that he dedicated this book to his "friend on the right" many of the arguments that he presents here are more than enough to serve as ammo for a political discussion between friends. This is the type of book that would be amazing for highschool kids to read.
When I moved to the second part of the book, as someone with anarchist leanings, I took issue with Griffin's reductive analysis and presentation of anarchist ideas - essentially his straight up pronouncement that "anarchism wouldn't work" as a "form of government". His understanding of anarchism is elementary at best and could do for some serious Chomsky reading at the very least. He also presented communism in a similarly minimized fashion citing apparent exact ideas of how a communist society would work and discrediting them in very rigid terms. Being of the unfortunately controversial belief that no real communist society exists or has even been attempted in earnest, I found Griffin's analysis is all too simplistic and assumptive and really does the reader a disservice by presenting anarchism and communism in very limited, reductive terms.
He presents socialism as his preferred option, and goes on to list and explain in detail the alternatives, methods, and logic associated with his almost-utopian view of socialism, going into great detail - something I wish he'd done with anarchism and communism in order to present the full and honest picture of what these ideas historically have meant and how expansive, varied, and frankly overlapping they actually are.
Simultaneously, I realize that would have made this book probably three times as long, if not longer. With that being said, in some respect I can't be too harsh. The chapters on the different aspects of socialism present the rationale behind worker empowerment and the redistribution of wealth in clear and convincing terms with an incredible populist appeal that is well researched. The theme of the book, which is the positive views of socialism and the negative views of capitalism presented through quotes and excerpts from the great thinkers of the world, is executed masterfully and makes this book fascinating, unique, and a joy to read.
The crime committed with the bashing and under-explaining of anarchism and communism is one that can be overcome if the reader is inspired to take up further research. Perhaps if you're reading a book like this, you'll be inclined to do so anyway.
Great book for someone who needs an introduction to analyzing capitalism and it's affects on America and the world. In the first half, Griffin does a great job of breaking down capitalist economy and its effects into 7 categories for analysis and discussion: Human Nature, Exploitation, The Profit Motive: Present Economies, The Profit Motive: People and Planet, Poverty, Capitalist Politics, and War.
I did not learn anything particularly new as someone who, by my goodreads history you may tell, has already done extensive reading on Capitalism and critique of such. However, I couldn't help but think how excellent this would serve as a broad and substantial learning experience for someone who has only ever thought briefly about capitalism, and in limited terms, and thus has a limited understanding. I think Griffin did a masterful job of this, and taken that he dedicated this book to his "friend on the right" many of the arguments that he presents here are more than enough to serve as ammo for a political discussion between friends. This is the type of book that would be amazing for highschool kids to read.
When I moved to the second part of the book, as someone with anarchist leanings, I took issue with Griffin's reductive analysis and presentation of anarchist ideas - essentially his straight up pronouncement that "anarchism wouldn't work" as a "form of government". His understanding of anarchism is elementary at best and could do for some serious Chomsky reading at the very least. He also presented communism in a similarly minimized fashion citing apparent exact ideas of how a communist society would work and discrediting them in very rigid terms. Being of the unfortunately controversial belief that no real communist society exists or has even been attempted in earnest, I found Griffin's analysis is all too simplistic and assumptive and really does the reader a disservice by presenting anarchism and communism in very limited, reductive terms.
He presents socialism as his preferred option, and goes on to list and explain in detail the alternatives, methods, and logic associated with his almost-utopian view of socialism, going into great detail - something I wish he'd done with anarchism and communism in order to present the full and honest picture of what these ideas historically have meant and how expansive, varied, and frankly overlapping they actually are.
Simultaneously, I realize that would have made this book probably three times as long, if not longer. With that being said, in some respect I can't be too harsh. The chapters on the different aspects of socialism present the rationale behind worker empowerment and the redistribution of wealth in clear and convincing terms with an incredible populist appeal that is well researched. The theme of the book, which is the positive views of socialism and the negative views of capitalism presented through quotes and excerpts from the great thinkers of the world, is executed masterfully and makes this book fascinating, unique, and a joy to read.
The crime committed with the bashing and under-explaining of anarchism and communism is one that can be overcome if the reader is inspired to take up further research. Perhaps if you're reading a book like this, you'll be inclined to do so anyway.
March 14, 2021
I believe everyone in the modern world should read this book. America and capitalism have turned into such an ugly character. This book, since it is so new, outlines much of capitalism issues including Donald Trump. The book is phenomenal. It brought every character from the past to life with our current socio-economic issues. The work that the book outlines that has to be done, must be done.
While the author did a great job explaining socialism and how to transform our world into it, I believe the definitions of communism where too based on the author’s opinions which is why I have the book 4 stars. The section of communism was far to small to outline the good parts of it. Socialism and communism can work together to eradicate capitalism. It is not just the negatives that were outlined in the book.
Another thing I would’ve liked to see is the abolition of Wall Street or the possibility of it. Wall Street was mentioned for its corruption, but there were unclear solutions on how would Wall Street move forward within socialism.
Either way, the book was amazing. MUST READ!! Recommend it to everyone you know. Everything in the section of Capitalism in this book must be learned by the entire population for us to come together as one and create change. We must organize, much love. I thank the author for putting so much effort into the findings, conclusions, and solutions!
While the author did a great job explaining socialism and how to transform our world into it, I believe the definitions of communism where too based on the author’s opinions which is why I have the book 4 stars. The section of communism was far to small to outline the good parts of it. Socialism and communism can work together to eradicate capitalism. It is not just the negatives that were outlined in the book.
Another thing I would’ve liked to see is the abolition of Wall Street or the possibility of it. Wall Street was mentioned for its corruption, but there were unclear solutions on how would Wall Street move forward within socialism.
Either way, the book was amazing. MUST READ!! Recommend it to everyone you know. Everything in the section of Capitalism in this book must be learned by the entire population for us to come together as one and create change. We must organize, much love. I thank the author for putting so much effort into the findings, conclusions, and solutions!
October 9, 2025
I picked this up on a whim from Prospero's and I'm so glad I did. I don't normally read a lot of non-fiction but this was wonderful. Also great to read a local author.
The book is straight forward, easy to understand, and thorough with citing sources. The voice is good, never dry or dull. Very informative. For someone already a socialist, it did cover a lot of information I already knew but was also able to show a lot of new perspectives as well. Super valuable read.
I appreciate that it broke down why capitalism doesn't work, but also actionable ways to begin moving away from it. Sometimes these discussions can be very doom and gloom, I'm glad it maintained revolutionary optimism and gave actual paths forward that we can start pursuing. A must read for any leftist
The book is straight forward, easy to understand, and thorough with citing sources. The voice is good, never dry or dull. Very informative. For someone already a socialist, it did cover a lot of information I already knew but was also able to show a lot of new perspectives as well. Super valuable read.
I appreciate that it broke down why capitalism doesn't work, but also actionable ways to begin moving away from it. Sometimes these discussions can be very doom and gloom, I'm glad it maintained revolutionary optimism and gave actual paths forward that we can start pursuing. A must read for any leftist
October 11, 2021
"Why America Needs Socialism" by G.S Griffin was an extremely informative book. It describes to the reader the inherently exploitative ways of capitalism, and how society can integrate socialism into our future. Definitely was very dense, but worth the read for sure.
April 30, 2021
This was a good read, not as fluid as his previous work. I enjoyed it none the less.
December 26, 2021
Cute arguments why America needs more Gulags and more mass graves.
January 9, 2022
Can’t wait for the capitalist structure set in place; to make rich a few people and suck the will to live & be human from the rest of us, burn sand fade into history.
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March 6, 2023Review from the March 2021 issue of the Socialist Standard:
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews