Communism / Socialism: Social Democracy Wage Labor & Capital State & Revolution Communist Manifesto

Written by Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin

Narrated by Geoffrey Giuliano and The Arc

Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin were influential figures in the history of socialism and communism. Karl Marx, a German philosopher, economist, and political theorist, provided the foundation for socialist and communist ideologies. His critical analysis of capitalism, as outlined in works like "Das Kapital" and "The Communist Manifesto," revolutionized social and economic theory. Marx emphasized the exploitative nature of capitalism and argued for the abolition of private ownership of the means of production, profoundly shaping leftist thought.

Vladimir Lenin, born in 1870 in Russia, played a pivotal role in the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the establishment of the Soviet Union. Building upon Marx's theories, Lenin developed the ideology of Leninism, also known as Marxism-Leninism. He believed in the necessity of a revolutionary vanguard party to guide the working class in overthrowing the bourgeoisie and establishing a socialist state. Lenin's leadership during the October Revolution and the subsequent establishment of a socialist government in Russia marked a significant turning point in world history and served as an inspiration for communist movements worldwide.

Both Marx and Lenin faced various challenges throughout their lives. Marx's ideas encountered resistance from the ruling classes, and he experienced financial hardships. He actively participated in socialist and workers' movements, advocating for social change and labor rights. Similarly, Lenin faced opposition from the ruling elite and had to navigate periods of repression, leading the Bolshevik Party underground. He endured political persecution and even survived an assassination attempt. Despite these obstacles, both Marx and Lenin remained dedicated to their vision of a classless society.

The legacies of Marx and Lenin continue to have a profound impact on socialist and communist thought.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Icon Audio Arts
• Release date: May 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887679464

Karl Marx

Described as one of the most influential figures in human history, Karl Marx was a German philosopher and economist who wrote extensively on the benefits of socialism and the flaws of free-market capitalism. His most notable works, Das Kapital and The Communist Manifesto (the latter of which was co-authored by his collaborator Friedrich Engels), have since become two of history’s most important political and economic works. Marxism—the term that has come to define the philosophical school of thought encompassing Marx’s ideas about society, politics and economics—was the foundation for the socialist movements of the twentieth century, including Leninism, Stalinism, Trotskyism, and Maoism. Despite the negative reputation associated with some of these movements and with Communism in general, Marx’s view of a classless socialist society was a utopian one which did not include the possibility of dictatorship. Greatly influenced by the philosopher G. W. F. Hegel, Marx wrote in radical newspapers from his young adulthood, and can also be credited with founding the philosophy of dialectical materialism. Marx died in London in 1883 at the age of 64.