Michael Malice: Marxism and Communism

Summary

The video script delves into the early 20th-century ideological landscape, exploring the blurred lines between socialism, communism, and anarchism. It discusses the vision of a scientifically managed society, the disagreements within these movements, and the role of violence in achieving societal change. The conversation touches on the influence of the Industrial Revolution, the progressive ideas of Woodrow Wilson, and the worldwide workers' revolution. It also contemplates the unpredictability of historical events and the complexities of implementing socialist and communist ideals.

Takeaways

• 📚 The terms 'socialist', 'communist', and 'anarchist' were used interchangeably at the end of the 19th century, reflecting a vision of a future society without a state.
• 🔬 There was a belief in the inevitability and scientific nature of socialism as the future societal structure, despite disagreements on its practical form.
• ⚔️ A significant disagreement between socialists, anarchists, and communists centered on the role of the state and the means to achieve a classless society.
• 🏭 The Industrial Revolution and Marxist thought influenced the idea that society could be scientifically managed for the benefit of all, rather than being driven by capitalist interests.
• 🌐 The concept of socialism as a broad umbrella included various wings, from state socialism to localized worker control, reflecting diverse interpretations of Marx's ideas.
• 🌟 The end goal of some socialists was a stateless society, influenced by thinkers like Bakunin, who opposed Marx's view of a transitional state run by the state.
• 🗳️ Some socialists, like the Fabian socialists, believed in achieving change through the ballot box and gradualism, while others advocated for more radical, revolutionary means.
• 💥 The role of violence in achieving societal change was a contentious issue, with some seeing it as necessary for revolution and others advocating for peaceful means.
• 🌍 The idea of a worldwide workers' revolution was prevalent, with the belief that the working class would unite across national borders to overthrow capitalist exploitation.
• 🎨 The late 19th and early 20th centuries were a time of intellectual and artistic ferment, with modernist thinking challenging traditional norms and exploring new possibilities for society.
• 🎅 The script also touches on the cultural significance of Christmas as a time of joy, kindness, and hope, contrasting the cynicism of modern culture with the holiday's spirit of generosity.

Q & A

How were the terms 'socialist', 'communist', and 'anarchist' used interchangeably at the end of the 19th century?

At the end of the 19th century, these terms were used loosely because they all prophesied a Marxist society where the state would eventually wither away. There was a shared belief in the inevitability and scientific basis of socialism as the future, despite disagreements on its practical implementation.

What were the two clear points of agreement among socialists, anarchists, and communists at the turn of the 19th to 20th century?

The two clear points were that socialism was seen as both inevitable and scientific, representing the way of the future, and that the capitalist ruling class would not surrender power without a struggle.

How did the Industrial Revolution influence the thinking of socialists at that time?

The Industrial Revolution brought about the idea that with technology and science, society could be managed scientifically. This influenced socialists to believe in the possibility of a society that produced only what was needed, eliminating waste and suffering, through the use of engineers and scientific management.

What was the main disagreement between Marx and Bakunin regarding state socialism?

Marx advocated for state socialism where the state would run everything as a means to an end, eventually leading to a stateless society where everyone is equal. Bakunin, on the other hand, saw the state as inherently immoral and advocated for worker collectives and ultra-localized control, aiming for a stateless society from the outset.

What was the role of Woodrow Wilson in the context of the script?

Woodrow Wilson is mentioned as an example of progressivism, where the idea was to use technology and scientific management to improve society, moving away from what was seen as the wastefulness of federal capitalism.

What was the concept of a worldwide workers' revolution as discussed in the script?

The concept of a worldwide workers' revolution was based on the idea that workers globally would unite against exploitation, recognizing their shared interests across national boundaries. It was believed that this unity would lead to a collective overthrow of the capitalist system.

What was the role of violence in the disagreements between different socialist groups?

Violence was a contentious issue. Some groups, like the Fabians, believed in achieving change through the ballot box and peaceful means, while others, like the anarchists, believed that revolution and the use of violence were necessary to overthrow the existing system and seize control of factories.

How did the script discuss the role of free speech in the context of advocating for violent revolution?

The script mentions that there was a debate about the limits of free speech, especially when it came to advocating for violence and revolution. The publication of books on how to build bombs, like the one by Johann Most, raised concerns about the potential dangers of such information being widely available.

What was the significance of Mabel Dodge Luhan's salon in the script?

Mabel Dodge Luhan's salon is highlighted as a place where intellectuals, artists, and activists from various backgrounds, including anarchists and labor union members, gathered to discuss and debate ideas. It represents a cultural and intellectual space that contributed to the modernist thinking of the time.

What is the script's perspective on the inevitability of history and the role of Santa Claus as a metaphor?

The script rejects the idea that history is inevitable, arguing instead for the unpredictability of historical events. It also humorously uses the metaphor of Santa Claus to discuss the concept of arbitrary redistribution of wealth, contrasting it with the idea of communism.

How does the script view the concept of equality and its relation to human nature?

The script suggests that legal and ethical concepts of equality do not change the fundamental nature of humans, which is not equal. It argues that despite legal frameworks that treat people as equals, people will always have natural preferences for their own families or groups over strangers.

What is the script's stance on the possibility of predicting major historical events?

The script argues that predicting major historical events is extremely difficult, if not impossible, due to the many unpredictable turns in history. It cites the Bolshevik Revolution and the Great Depression as examples of events that were not foreseen.