Historian Peter Linebaugh discusses the relationship between the Commons and communism, including the history of enclosure, the influence of the Commons on Marx's work, and the association of women with the commons. It also explores the three waves of enclosure, the historical significance of wood accessibility, and Marx's study of the commons and indigenous influence.
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Quick takeaways
The commons and communism have a historical connection and influence on each other.
Communism can be observed in current commoning practices and struggles against capitalist enclosures.
Marx studied indigenous forms of commoning and was aware of the enclosure of the commons.
Deep dives
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Exploring the Commons, Communism, and Life After Capitalism
Peter Linebaugh, a historian, discusses the relationship between the commons and communism in a podcast episode titled 'Against the Grain'. Linebaugh highlights the historical importance of the commons and its resistance to class society. He explores the influence of indigenous ideas of the commons on the work of Karl Marx and the connection between the commons within capitalism and the potential for life after capitalism. Linebaugh emphasizes that communism is not just theoretical, but can be found in current commoning practices and struggles against capitalist enclosures. He also discusses Marx's early awareness of the enclosure of the commons and his later interest in studying indigenous forms of commoning in places like Russia and New York.
What is the relationship between things held in Common — from rivers and forests, to traditions of sharing and mutual aid — and communism? How should we understand the connection between the Commons within class society and life after capitalism? Historian Peter Linebaugh weighs in on the history of the idea of Communism, the very different history of enclosure, and the influence of the Commons and egalitarian indigenous ideas on the work of Karl Marx.