Communism

Before beginning your studies, it's important to learn how to best economize our time, and why we should study Marxism-Leninism in the first place.

1. General Rules for Independent Study - N. Krupskaya

Webpage [~5 min]

Written by one of the founding Bolsheviks for students in the early USSR, this is a concise guide on how to best absorb the information to come as efficiently as possible by Nadezhda Krupskaya.

2. Why Socialism? - A. Einstein

Webpage | Audiobook [~10 min / 22 min]

Wanting to persuade his contemporaries to pursue a path of intentional development in order to avoid nuclear war and escape the profit motive, Einstein argues the case for moving onto a planned and collectivized economy over the chaos of markets and the profit motive.

3. Why Marxism? - R. Day

Webpage [~15 min]

Roderic Day makes his case for why now, in the 21st century, Marxism-Leninism remains the strongest tool for working-class liberation, and why we should defend the achievements of actually existing socialism despite their real flaws.

4. Why do we Have to Study Theory? - Ho Chi Minh

Webpage [~10 min]

As a hugely successful revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh explains why it is not enough to have good intentions, we must do our best to study revolutionary theory to guide revolutionary practice.

Checkpoint

• Why do you want to study Marxism-Leninism?

• How can it be helpful in your present life?

• Why should we establish a socialist society?

To start off your studies, a clear understanding of basic terminology, as well as the historical context that gave rise to Marxism, is necessary.

1. Principles of Communism - F. Engels

Webpage/.epub | Audiobook [~30 min /48 min]

A glossary of terms and background information, in an FAQ format.

2. Karl Marx: A Brief Biographical Sketch with an Exposition of Marxism - V.I. Lenin

Webpage | Audiobook [~1 hr / 1hr 28 min]

Lenin, as a part of his rigorous studies of Marx and his writings for application in the conditions particular to his contemporary conditions, came to know and understand Marx and his ideology at a deeper level.

3. The Three Sources and Three Component Parts of Marxism - V.I. Lenin

Webpage | Audiobook [~5 min / 18 min]

Outlaying the 3 major components of Marxism, and a short history of how they came to be.

Checkpoint

• What historical context gave rise to Marxism?

• What are the 3 major components of Marxism?

• In your country, and in your personal life, what social class do you belong to and who is in control of society?

In order to better understand the later sections, we must understand Marx's materialist outlook and dialectical method.

1. Dialectical and Historical Materialism - J.V. Stalin

Webpage/.epub | Audiobook [~1hr / 1hr 42 min]

A clear summarization of the fundamental components describing the materialist outlook, the dialectical method, and applying both to analyze the arc of history.

2. On Practice - Mao Zedong

Webpage | Audiobook [~30 min / 1 hr 9 min]

One of the best primers on the Marxist-Leninist theory of the unity of theory and practice to inform correct understanding.

3. On Contradiction - Mao Zedong

Webpage | Audiobook [~1 hr / 1 hr 57 min]

Mao explores and elaborates on one of the most fundamental concepts in dialectical materialism, the contradiction.

4. Western Marxism Loves Purity and Martyrdom, but not Real Revolution - J. Manoel

Webpage | Audiobook [~15 min / 22 min]

Western Marxism is held back by cultural ties to purity and sacrifice, preferring the perfect socialism in our heads to real, existing and thus imperfect socialism. This is an example of how cultural hegemony in the superstructure of society reinforces the base mode of production.

Checkpoint

• What are some examples of idealist explanations, and what would the materialist explanation be?

• What are some ways you presently think metaphysically, that you can make more dialectical?

• How can you apply dialectical and historical materialism in your daily life?

Using your newfound tool of dialectical materialism, let's explore capitalism, it's contradictions, and the class struggle between laborers and exploiters.

1. Wage Labor and Capital - K. Marx

Webpage | Audiobook [~1hr / 1 hr 37 min]

Delivered as a speech to workers, Marx explains the fundamental struggle between labor and capital under capitalism.

2. An Extremely Condensed Summary of Capital - N. Frome

Webpage [~20 min]

Nia Frome, taking inspiration from Marx's Inferno, summarizes the key points of Capital Volume 1.

Checkpoint

• What are the qualitative aspects of value? What are the quantitative aspects?

• How can the contradiction of class struggle be negated?

• What is the level of development of capitalism in your country, and the stage of class struggle?

We must now move on to socialism, not as it exists purely in our heads, but as it comes into being as a consequence of human development and progression via contradictions in capitalism and the class struggle.

1. Socialism: Utopian and Scientific - F. Engels

Webpage/.epub | Audiobook [~1.5 hr / 1 hr 48 min]

Engels shows how the creation of dialectical materialism, and its application to social development, turned socialism from a practice of "utopia building" into a rigorous science.

2. The State and Revolution - V.I. Lenin

Webpage | Audiobook [~3 hr / 4 hr]

Lenin concretely explains the Marxist theory of the state, revolution, and how the state is to wither away.

Checkpoint

• Can the state wither away locally, or must it be global?

• What are some examples of current utopian socialist movements?

• What determines if a country is socialist or capitalist? Is it based on ratio, is it about purity, or is it about the dominant aspect of the economy, and the class in control of the state?

Marxism lives on beyond Marx, but conditions have changed. Marxists have been carrying forward his work to use dialectical materialism in a new context, as capitalism transforms into its imperialist stage.

1. Imperialism, the Current Highest Stage of Capitalism - V.I. Lenin

Webpage | Audiobook [~3 hr / 4 hr 20 min]

The clearest explanation of imperialism, its origins, and its behavior today. As the principle contradiction the world over, understanding imperialism, how it works, and how we can end it forever is at the core of organizing work today.

2. The Imperialist Partition of Africa - W. Rodney

Webpage | Audiobook [~20 min / 25 min]

Absent from Lenin's analysis of imperialism is the specific role played by the partitioning of Africa among the imperialist powers. Rodney extends the analysis of imperialism, and further elaborates on how suffering in the core is exported to the periphery.

3. Five Characteristics of Neoimperialism - Cheng Enfu

Webpage [~30 min]

Lenin did not live to see the consolidation of imperialism into a single international dictatorship of the bourgeoisie, helmed by the US Empire. Cheng Enfu carries Lenin's analysis forward, to the modern era of moribund neoimperialism.

Checkpoint

• In the modern era of the US Empire's decay, how does this impact the global struggle for socialism?

• Why is it important that we understand imperialism in this level of depth?

• Is your country in the imperial core, periphery, or semi-periphery? How does this impact your local class struggle, and position within the international class struggle?

Leninism is where Lenin carried forward Marx's analysis to the age of imperialism, as well as the strategies and tactics of the Marxist-Leninist party and organization.

1. Understanding Lenin - R. Day

Webpage [5 min]

Putting Lenin in his proper context, and not simply trying to find ready-made solutions in Lenin's works, is how to properly apply his method to our present conditions.

2. Foundations of Leninism - J.V. Stalin

Webpage | Audiobook [~3.5 hr / 4 hr 53 min]

Leninism, it's historical origins, and its strategy and tactics, stance on nationalism vs internationalism, the role of the peasantry, and more.

3. What is to be Done? (Abridged) - V.I. Lenin

Webpage | Audiobook [~1hr / 43 min] (Note: audiobook is a summary from Red Pen, not the same as the text)

The abridged version was chosen for its clarity, and for bringing its most relevant bits to the modern day. The full original is much longer, and requires much more historical context, but a summary is linked in audiobook form.

Lenin outlines the most pressing stances for the communists to take, and contrasts them with incorrect positions such as "economism" and "adventurism." Useful for avoiding pitfalls in organizing work to this day.

Checkpoint

• What are the most important immediate tasks in your nation?

• Is nationalism in countries dominated by imperialism reactionary, or progressive?

• Are any parties local to you adopting consistent Leninist organizing methods?

This is a grand struggle, for the liberation of all oppressed people.

1. Combahee River Collective Statement - CRC

Webpage | Audiobook [~20 min / 24 min]

Released by a collective of black feminists, the Combahee River Collective Statement stresses the importance of intersectionality.

2. The Social Basis of the Woman Question - A. Kollontai

Webpage | Audiobook [~30 min / 42 min]

As one of the leading Bolsheviks, Kollontai had a deep understanding of Marxism-Leninism as she applied it to the struggle for women's liberation.

3. Transgender Liberation: A Marxist View - L. Feinberg

Webpage [~ 45 min]

Leslie Feinberg struggled for queer rights as a Marxist for decades, elaborating in this work on the importance of extending social recognition and support to gender-queer struggles.

Checkpoint

• Why is it important to have an intersectional outlook?

• How do aspects like queer identity, disability, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and more impact the class struggle between capitalists and proletarians?

• Why are organizations that exclude marginalized groups weaker than ones that fight for marginalized groups?

Make sure to get organized, as well. It is not enough to merely read theory, you must put it to practice. Serve the people! Build up your community! Educate, agitate, and organize! You're more than ready to do so at this point, so try to develop yourself and apply your unique skills and talents to the broader class struggle.

We will win!

Q: When should I read?

A: I recommend reading at the same time daily, consistently, making it a part of your routine. It works even better if you can gather some like-minded comrades and form a study-circle, so that you can speak your thoughts and criticisms aloud. This isn't strictly necessary, though, and reading on your own when your mind is fresh will get you great results. The audiobooks in particular are great for commutes or working out, though do remember to take notes when you can.

Q: Where should I read?

A: In a comfortable, well-lit area. Try to make it free from distractions. Ideally, with reference books and other learning tools. In a pinch, earbuds or headphones and instrumental music can help drown out noise, if you prefer reading on a commute or on break.

Q: What if I don't understand a text?

A: Asking online or consulting with a reading group are both great options for most people. If studying alone, try looking up background information on the author and subjects being brought up, to help contextualize.

a. 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

The Deprogram - Marxist-Leninist variety podcast

c. News

Liberation News - PSL's newsletter

Fight Back! News - FRSO's newsletter

Dessalines' Audiobooks - More leftist audiobooks

Naked Capitalism - Economic newsletter centering capitalism's decay