Matthew Furlong, a recurring guest renowned for his insights into dialectics, joins to dissect Mao Zedong’s influential text on handling contradictions. They explore Mao's dialectical method and the distinction between antagonistic and non-antagonistic contradictions, applying these concepts to modern political movements. The conversation reveals how social media exacerbates societal conflicts and critiques superficial views of capitalism. Furlong emphasizes the importance of understanding contradictions for effective activism and transformative societal change.
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insights INSIGHT
Vital Contradiction Distinction
Mao distinguishes between antagonistic and non-antagonistic contradictions as fundamental to socialist development.
Recognizing this distinction is crucial to avoiding dangerous one-sided political thinking.
insights INSIGHT
Avoid Left and Right Deviations
Mao warns against right and left deviations in handling contradictions.
Both mistaking enemies as comrades and comrades as enemies are critical errors to avoid.
insights INSIGHT
Dialectics vs Metaphysics
Dialectics sees change as internal and contradictory within things, not external and static.
Mao contrasts metaphysics (static, isolated views) with dialectics (dynamic unity of opposites).
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Published in 1776, 'The Wealth of Nations' is Adam Smith's magnum opus that laid the groundwork for modern economics. The book critiques mercantilist economic theories and introduces the concept of the 'invisible hand,' which describes how individual self-interest leads to societal benefit. It emphasizes the division of labor, the accumulation of capital, and the importance of free markets. Smith argues that a nation's wealth is not measured by its gold and silver reserves but by the stream of goods and services it produces. The book also outlines the core functions of government, such as maintaining defense, enforcing civil law, and promoting education, while advocating for limited government intervention in market activities.
Super Imperialism
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In 'Super Imperialism,' Michael Hudson examines the unique form of capitalist imperialism practiced by the United States since the post-World War II era. The book details how the U.S. has used its military spending and financial policies to create a system where foreign central banks lend to the U.S. government, effectively financing American wars and maintaining U.S. economic dominance. Hudson argues that this system, driven by government finance capital, differs significantly from the private capital-driven imperialism described by Lenin. The book also explores the consequences of this system, including the financialization of economies, privatization of public assets, and the underdevelopment of many countries due to policies enforced by international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
On the correct handling of contradictions among the people
On the correct handling of contradictions among the people
Mao Zedong
Mao Zedong's "On the Correct Handling of Contradictions Among the People" is a significant work in Marxist-Leninist theory. It emphasizes the importance of dialectical materialism in understanding social development, particularly within a socialist context. The text distinguishes between antagonistic and non-antagonistic contradictions, providing a framework for navigating internal conflicts within a movement and external conflicts with class enemies. Mao's insights on unity-struggle-unity and the mass line are central to his approach. The essay remains relevant for its practical guidance on resolving contradictions and building a socialist society.
The Mi'kmaq Grammar of Father Pacifique
The Mi'kmaq Grammar of Father Pacifique
null
Father Pacifique
John Hewson
Bernie Francis
The Language of This Land, Mi'kma'ki
None
Trudy Sable
Bernie Francis
ORIGINALLY RELEASED Apr 26, 2023
In this episode, Matthew Furlong and Breht dive into Mao Zedong’s seminal 1957 speech-turned-text "On the Correct Handling of Contradictions Among the People" - a critical text for any revolutionary serious about navigating the complexities of socialist construction. We break down Mao’s dialectical method, his distinction between antagonistic and non-antagonistic contradictions, and how this framework helps us understand internal struggle within a revolutionary movement versus conflict with class enemies. From mass line to ideological struggle, from unity-struggle-unity to combating dogmatism and liberalism - we unpack Mao’s sharp insights with a focus on applying them to today’s political terrain. This is Marxism in motion. Theory as a weapon. Revolution as a science.
Rev Left Radio 
