this post was submitted on 09 Sep 2024
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I think this just generally highlights the importance of opening a book and reading. There have been centuries of Leftist thought, questions have been raised and they have been answered. Many considering themselves "left" can sympathize with Leftist goals, or even jab at the sources of modern struggles structurally, but lack the organizational and practical knowledge obtained from Theory and applying theory to practice.
The more you read, the more you realize how little you actually know.
What books specifically would you recommend?
To me, the most influential contribution in the last few decades would be "Capitalist realism: is there any alternative?"
Its very heavily influenced by Marx but it's more like a philosophical intervention where I would see das kapital as more of a historical intervention. As in "erm no, this is the story of how we got here" (das kapital). Although, there's plenty of philosophy of course. Its only about 5 pages long and there's free readings of it on YouTube.
Although, imo, the real origin story of capitalism covered in das kapital, on a national scale, is something everyone should be much more aware of.
What are you familiar with, what do you feel weak in? I'm a Marxist, so I can recommend some generally good introductory works, but if you have specific interests or pre-existing knowledge I can make specific recommendations.
Otherwise, I will always recommend the famous Yellow Parenti Speech.