If I could PERSUADE someone to read a fictional book, it would be "To Kill a Mockingbird".
I mostly read non - fiction. I have plenty of recommendations there.
I mostly read non - fiction. I have plenty of recommendations there.
If you could dissuade people from reading one book which would it be?
- Thread starter desihawk
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I think you can read the Communist Manifesto without becoming a communist. There is some interesting thoughts on there that are worth pondering on.
I believe that in the Communist Manifesto he mentioned not being opposed to the proletariat (working class) using wages to by some land or a home. He would be against the wealthy owning land as a show of wealth or to enrich themselves off the working class.
That's interesting to think about in today's environment. Especially during covid with corporations and wealthy people snagging up affordable housing and making it more expensive to buy or rent. A way to think about that is the wealthy class bought land to further enrich themselves while reducing the wealth of workers. It's hard to argue that isn't what is happening now.
I read most of the "Communist Manifesto" in high school. I probably can't remember most of it.
I don't think any human should be super rich. I don't think anyone needs more than $1 million a year.
But, Marx's idea about abolishing capitalism is nuts. It's never worked. Most economists don't take his theories seriously.
IMO.
This level headed, reasonable response is really gonna trigger our free speech absolutists on the board.
I'm personally like a good mix of the isms. They counter each other well if done correctly.
Well it's a good thing nobody here is arguing to follow Marx's plan. They just want some elements that can make capitalism work more fairly for everyone.Not according to Marx.
I don't know, I don't track his posts closely enough to know but I'm sure it would be some version of regulated capitalism.
Chapterhouse Dune
Dune is the best science fiction book I ever read. Herbert wrote sequels but by the time it got to the fifth it was totally off the rails. Just sayin
His son wrote some interesting spinoffs fwiw.
Dune is the best science fiction book I ever read. Herbert wrote sequels but by the time it got to the fifth it was totally off the rails. Just sayin
His son wrote some interesting spinoffs fwiw.
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There are two that I would advise are a waste of time. Both are long, depressing, and while each is highly acclaimed, they are simply not worth the effort:
-Of Human Bondage by W Somerset Maugham
-An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser
Allow me to add all of the books written by the Marquiss de Sade. He is tedious and has a not very interesting writing style. Frankly reading about the fantasy world and private lives of Libertines is simply far less interesting than doing some exploring of you own.
-Of Human Bondage by W Somerset Maugham
-An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser
Allow me to add all of the books written by the Marquiss de Sade. He is tedious and has a not very interesting writing style. Frankly reading about the fantasy world and private lives of Libertines is simply far less interesting than doing some exploring of you own.
I had just moved to NYC when that book came out. I thought it was hilarious! It probably has not held up well though.
What's that mean? He wants a group of people who are collectively paid by tax payers whose job it is to put out fires in homes? Or maybe people who are collectively paid by tax payers to find criminals, catch them, and then put them in jail? Or possibly he doesn't want everyone to be complete idiots so he wants to ensure everyone has access to a quality education paid for, you guessed, by the tax payers.
Sounds horrible. But hey, at least you have it so if you get sick there is a real possibility it will end you financially.
Why would you want to discourage anyone from reading anything?...
Well, if someone knows my likes and dislikes, I'd hope they wouldn't recommend something I wouldn't enjoy. Caveat: I basically only read fiction, so it's easier to know what I might like or hate. Having said that, I'm actually reading the Van Halen autobiography right now, and I highly recommend if you like rock 'n' roll and insider stories of such. Much better than the Phil Collins one that came out a few years ago.
That's a brisk clip. What are some of your favorites? What genres of fiction do you like most?
I'm still waiting for someone to outline that plan.
By which I mean actually outline the plan - as opposed to spouting wingnutty talking points.
Marx was one of 3 revolutionary thinkers of the 19th century who changed conventional ways of looking at the world. The other 2 were Darwin and Freud.
Marx's primary revolutionary thought was that labor has value. The capitalist who builds the factory has some ownership in the products made, and the workers who actually make them also have some ownership. Prior to Marx the capitalist was held to own it all.
We all accept this Marxist perspective today, to some degree. Not much, but some.
The private property that Marx objected to was the ownership of what is sometimes called the commons, not your toothbrush or home. Natural resources, for example. The idea that you own an oil well because your great great whatever stole it makes little sense, but we base our culture on those "values." Marx's view was that the "ownership" of these resources would be held in common and that the resources would be shared.
Marx objects to exploitation of people. Capitalism defends the right to exploit people.
I don't consider myself a Marxist, but obviously he got some things right (or at least better than the prevalent thinking).
What crap. Is there a stake available?
What Does the Bible Say About They Will Know You By Your Works?
Bible verses about They Will Know You By Your Works
I was all over the place but I think the themes are common. I read a handful of the criminal behavioral type books by Douglas and Olshaker. Escaping the Cult by Rachel Warren that was about the FLDS and Warren family. American Fascists by Chris Hedges about christofascists and dominionists. Some Howard Zinn, and even more Noam Chomsky, I have a ways to go before I finish all of his. A few other few cult books.
Fiction wise I like dark dystopian type books. They can be horror or sci-fi. I read about every Cherie Priest book last year, I especially like the ones in the Clockwork Century series. The first in that series is Boneshaker. I have also nearly completed all of Stephen King books. The Long Walk by Richard Bachmann aka Stephen King was amazing.
I don't normally go for horror or zombies, but Boneshaker sounds like it could be fun. I've put it on my list.
I've been considering re-reading this. I loathed it in HS and was curious if I would feel differently today.
Do you think the value of something is determined by how much effort was put into making it, or how much someone wants it?
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