The Rest Is History

38. Communism

59 snips
Mar 29, 2021
Dive into the intriguing origins and evolution of communism, from early influences to modern interpretations. Discover how key figures like Marx and Lenin shaped its rise and decline, and the totalitarian tendencies that emerged. Explore the stark rivalry with capitalism and the brutal realities of governance under communist regimes. The conversation even touches on the potential future of communism in a tech-driven world, alongside some whimsical ideas about extraterrestrial communism. A thought-provoking look at a complex ideology!
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INSIGHT

Early Church and Communism

  • The early church in the Acts of the Apostles serves as a prototype for communist societies, with its emphasis on shared property.
  • This concept is reflected in Marx's later dictum, "from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs."
INSIGHT

Marxism as Political Religion

  • Marxism is a political religion with icons, sacred texts, and prophets.
  • It uses scientific language to mask its theological nature, similar to other 19th-century theories.
ANECDOTE

Communists in London

  • Marxist-Leninism blends social justice ideals with the need for a controlling elite.
  • Dominic Sandbrook envisions a sitcom about Lenin, Stalin, and Trotsky in a London bedsit.
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