why is marx so confusing?

Question

im learning about marx and marxism in my social politics class but i honestly have no idea what he is saying!

Answer 1

I think the main reason Marx's work is difficult to understand for some is because of the language he used. Much of his writings originate from German and the English translations are 125 years old. The style of his writing is not really that accessible for modern readers.

As far as the content and concepts, well, that is a different issue. Marx critiques a 19th century economic model that is totally foriegn to many of us. His ideas were a counter to the terrible injustices of the Industrial Revolution. To say that his ideas are not relevant in today's world or don't work is hogwash. He came from a perspective of collectivism and wealth distribution. Many of his socialist ideas form the core political and social values of several modern western societies: the right to access different and better jobs; the right to form and join labour unions, access to a liberal education; access to health care and treatments; pensions; unemployment benefits; the list goes on and on. While he did not necessarily state that these are what makes a democratic socialist society his ideas are very much part of the philosophical base that supports many political movements around the world today. There are few other thinkers from that period whose work shook up the economic and political systems of 1800s Europe so dramatically. It was a time when small handful of industrialists got rich on the backs of kids, women and men who worked and lived in some of the bleakest conditions imaginable. Mmm . . . sound familiar?

My advice would be to get a Cole's notes or a modern translation and synopsis of his writings, something that breaks it down into its most basic ideas. You will be surprised at how lucid his ideas are and how relevant they are today. I believe, and I don't necessarily support all of his ideas, that Karl Marx and his intellectual and writing partner, Frederick Engels, are among the most important political and economical theorists of the last 200 years.

Answer 2

To understand Marx, first u have to understand the existing historical background of the world then, Many freedom fighters and philosophers, gathered to create a different perspective in which they find suitable to be considered a good culture for the society. Marxism was made popular during the time when the monarchs were overpowering and abusive while the people were not treated properly. All the powers of a kingdom were badly managed and highly manipulated by the lords and the royal families. Society then was also not aware of their human rights and honouring the King was a noble duty of every countrymen. Therefore as the world came crashing down with more liberal thinkers like Marx, Montesquieu, and Sun Tat Sen, fighting to freed the ant line behavior of the people thru' revolution, they created their form of believe, induced the people who are losing faith to the monarchy to fight their cause. Marx is just like wat the other said, his principles are republic-like and there should be no close doors to anything that is occurring in the government sector. Because this is to avoid abusing of power of high ranking officers and the rich over the poor. Take China for example, if the great China was a liberal and lassier fairez practitioner, do u think the government is able to control the people that they are now. Then take a look at India. Its a great deed that Mohatma Gandhi took them out of the hands of British but the oppression of the rich towards the poor till today it still exist. The worst case scenario would be a large mansion built next to a dung-pasted house with nothing more than a damp red soil ground and 1 door. The poor will forever be poor as there is no help from the government as no funds to be given to help them. Unlike the comunis in China, though they are ruthless in control but they manage to retrive all the wealth from the rich and segregate them to the poor. The marxism can only work in countries like this as they need to first built a proper economic balance within the people themselves beofore allowing free market to proceed. This way the poor is able to catch up with their lose and make up for wat they don't. the thing is not all countries can adhere to Marxism, in countries like America, UK and Malaysia we have developed a different kind of society structure where oppression of financial status is barely a stigma. Therefore for countries like ours, we need not the Marxism as it will not bring that sort of outcome that we want as wat we already had been achieving. So its not wat is in Marx's speech that is important, but the fundamental of Marxism and how it can ignite the desire for certain people who see eye to eye with him in believing that 'sharing is caring' kinda philosophy.

Answer 3

Welcome to the club! :)

Seriously, Marx is often confusing to those encountering him for the first time. If I were you, I'dget a good book that presents Marx in summary form (the Anthony Giddens version is probably the best and your library should have it). And tell your teacher you're confused--he/she won't be surprised.

I'd be more specific, but your question is very general. Marx covers a lot of territory--and he didn't write in the nice, organized academic style we are used to today. Plus, most Americans are unfamiliar with the world view he brings to bear. So it can be difficult to follow him. Here's a hint, though--some of Marx (e.g., his writing on worker alienation) are as much philosophy as soccial/political theory. He didn't divide those areas up the sme way we do.

Answer 4

Marx? What I know about Marx is that he open the world about sharing the load of the life into a common problem with a definite solutions and no hidden agenda into it. No political and personal atonement but the plain truth of the fact of what is there and what was not. Only plain leadership and management of the facts in living the life the way we have lived life in the past.

Answer 5

It isnt that confusing Marx based his marxism on communism if you look closely there is a lot of resemblence between the 2

Answer 6

Marx is so confusing, because he is so wrong! It is as if he were writing about anyone, but the human race. " Marxism; wonderful theory, wrong species ". E. O. Wilson said that. Use it against your teacher if he even intimates a admiration for Marxism.

PS As usual, the Marxist apologist are coming out from under the rock of unreality with their armchair analysis of Marx. Cherry picking as usual. The dystopia brigade; the ones who seemed to forget the application of Marxist theory to the highly piled dead!

Answer 7

Ya it is pretty confusing.
You can see why it didn't work out for him. (and Russia)

Answer 8

Ehh... its pretty easy.. wait really easy.. whats so hard about it?