FREE ESSAY ON IDEAS AND THOUGHTS OF KARL MARX

IDEAS AND THOUGHTS OF KARL MARX

The Ideas and thoughts of Karl Marx
The latter part of the nineteenth century was teeming with evolving social and economic
ideas. Karl Marx(1818-1893) was a proponent of many of the radical ideas circulating at
the time about class structure. The views of the social structure of society came about
through the development of ideals taken from past revolutions and the ongoing clash of
individuals and organized assemblies(Mckay, 1987: 234). As the Industrial Revolution
moved forward, it paved the way for growing commerce, but also led to a the widening gap
between the classes. The persecution of one class by another has historically allowed the
advancement of mankind to continue. These clashes, whether ending with positive or
negative results, allow Man to evolve as a species, defining himself within the social
structure of nature(Haberman, 1987: 69). Man's competitive spirit allows for this
evolution through the production of something which is different, not necessarily
productive, but differing from the present norm and untried through previous
generations.
During the time of the Industrial Revolution, mankind was moving forward very rapidly,
but at the price of the working-class. Wages were given sparsely, and when capital
accumulation improved, the money paid for labor did not reflect this prosperity. This,
therefore, accelerated the downfall of the proletariat and progressed towards a
justifiable revolt against the oppressive bourgeoisie or middle class(Marx, 1848: 1-56).
The conclusion of this revolt was envisioned to be a classless society, one which would
seem to eliminate the existing economic disparities. Again Marx was at the forefront of
this philosophy. Marx believed that the overthrow of capitalism would create a socialist
society eventually flourishing into communism. He was the philosophical analyses who
created communism and saw it as an achievable goal. This led him to being banished from
both his native land of Germany and then France. Eventually he settled in England.
(Compton's Encyclopedia, Karl Marx: 121) Through dialectical processing, Marx was able to
synthesize a theory of a classless society. This society would be achievable by uniting
the proletarians and overthrowing of the governing bourgeoisie. For the working-class man
does not benefit from the labor for which he provides. His labor is external to himself
and is not actually belonging to his essential being. Therefore in work, the proletarian
denies himself and does not validate his worthiness as an individual.(Haberman,1987: 183)
The worker has no existence except to work, which furthers the employer, but degrades the
laborer and eventually results in a grasping individual. Marx did not accept Society's
class discrimination.
Marx hoped that with the unification of the working-class, they could be able to better
themselves and their lives, and in doing so, better society on the whole. This of course,
was a purely theoretical idea, but one that Marx felt was attainable. The abolition of
private property would be achieved by ridding the bourgeoisie's ownership of lands, and
allowing the land to become public. This would enable the removal of selfish
individualism which splits society into segregated portions, and allow the rich and poor
to become more economically equal in status(Ebenstein, 1970: 26). However, in my opinion,
Marx's views would probably result in a society with class disparities similar to the
ones he was at odds with, due to man's basic inclination to dominate.
In a capitalist society, the expansion of markets and growth of production allows for the
widening gap between the classes and their economic structures. Marx states that the
faster industry progresses, the weaker the proletarian becomes(Marx, 1848: 16). The
proletarian would feel worthless, and with nothing to lose, revolt against their
employers. This revolt would take place as a result of the demands of the laborers not
being met, and wages not increasing with the increase of profit. It is understandable why
Marx concluded that the current system was self destructive and needed to be changed.
However, in his analysis of the situation, Marx did not take into account the movement
for workers rights within the current capitalist society, thus eliminating the need for
social changes as outlined by Marx.
If the working class did decide to proceed to overthrow the bourgeois, then yet another
problem would arise. This problem would be in the control of the revolting populace. The
communist goal is to achieve a classless society with the eventual abolition of the state
itself, in order to unite all working-class men. This would be very difficult without the
organization of a governing assembly which would then defeat the revolutions own purpose.
In order to achieve an ultimate goal, there must be some type of plan implemented in
order to successfully do this. A spontaneous clash with an opposing minority would just
reveal to that class what it is that they have done wrong, and allow them to correct
their errors in order to restore the profitable production which they have to this point
maintained. To properly overthrow the ruling class, an appointed assembly, within the
revolting assembly, would need to direct and acquire the ideas and interests of all its
followers(Ebenstein, 1970: 67). This would create the establishment of the proletarians
own class society within their own people.
This organization of the proletarians could enable them to attain the goals which they
set out to grasp. Upon reaching these goals it would be reasonable to question whether
the classes now set up within would actually dissolve and allow for equality amongst all
men. Also, the defeated bourgeoisie who were hated and envied, could not themselves be
oppressed by the proletarians in order for the goals of the revolution to be met. These
two groups would have to become equals and allowed to take from society as equals.
Hypothetically, this would leave the door open for an eventual counter revolution in
order to restore society to the previous means of operation. As well, because of his
nature, man cannot simply defeat its enemy and then expect to live along side of him. To
defeat your enemy is to become your enemy, and in this case that would result in an
oppressor and an oppressed, once again leaving a society polarized into economic
extremes(Haberman, 1987:145).
The idea of creating an equal society is a provocative promise in order to rally people
together and create a common goal, but keeping this goal is very unrealistic. Now the
ruling assembly within the working-class has gained power, and like the bourgeois, they
can see that this power is easily harnessed. By altering the goals of the revolution in a
way that still brings about change from the previous society, this allows the small
majority of the proletariat assembly to bring prosperity to their own lives(Haberman,
1987:149). Falling under the same spell as the bourgeoisie did themselves, the new rulers
can satisfy their own desires while governing a body of people who are much more subdued.
This passivity comes from the feeling of their supposed victory over the bourgeoisie
which has, in reality, really just created a much more efficient work force and because
of their own blindness, they cannot see that while their rulers may have changed, their
oppression remains the same.
The Communist Manifesto ends proclaiming: Workingmen of all countries, unite!(Marx, 1848:
54) This is to further emphasize Marx's belief that the proletarians have only each other
and do not belong to a country or state. What exists as a state is only known and
developed within a capitalist society by the bourgeoisie. The state is created in order
to identify with trade and production techniques, and helps in creating various bounded
markets. The technique which the proletarian class would use to overthrow the bourgeois
would be to join all workers in a mutual interest of intent(Haberman, 1987:129). In doing
so, Marx believes the state or nation will collapse, allowing the unification of all
laborers, regardless of heritage and state of origin. Therefore clashes between nations
would cease, and only one world of united people who want to live and work equally would
exist. Another imperfection in Marx's theories is revealed. In the Communist Manifesto,
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels applied the term communism to a final stage of socialism
in which all class differences would disappear (Payne, 1968: 421). They declared that the
course of history was discovered by the clash of opposing forces. These forces were
rooted in the economic system and the ownership of property (Payne, 1968: 421). The
struggle between the Bourgeoisie and the Proletariat would end when the socialists
started a revolution and attained a full communistic government (Payne 423). If
socialism, communism being the ultimate goal, was to flourish, it would not be
ubiquitous(Payne, 1968: 425). Hence, some states would progress faster than others, while
some would not be interested in a socialist society at all. In theory, this develops a
unified nation which through joint interest becomes stronger as it strives toward its
target. Through the collaboration of many, a devotion develops in the form of
nationalistic views. This nationalism which strengthens the undertaking, will directly
and indirectly threaten other nations or states which have not progressed at the same
pace. This will obviously create tension between nations, especially those geographically
bordering each other, and could lead to conflict or persecution of one state by
another(Haberman 1987: 134). This would then take the capitalist theory of the oppressed
and the oppressor to a different level, again steering away from the communist goals
which were to be accomplished. An example of communism's flaws can be seen in the
revolution led by V.I. Lenin in Russia(Mckay, 1987: 198). Using politically left winged
tactics, he sought to achieve communism through the heading of the Bolsheviks. Following
his death, Stalin saw the opportunity to create an industrial state which could grow to
engulf the larger capitalist states around. Stalin's form of governing resulted in the
political system known as totalitarianism, which created an ultimate power(McKay, 1987:
123). This corrupted the utopian dream of communism and again resulted with a specific
figure and class living off the wealth produced by the rest of the state. Throughout
history man has evolved, becoming a more and more complex thinker. This process of
evolution is in order to further himself and socially adapt to the changing times in
which he lives. Evolution is inevitable and will never cease, therefore man will continue
learning, trying to gain more knowledge and accomplish what hasn't been done(Ebenstein,
1970: 176).
Communism does not allow for man's own gratification, that is why it is an impractical
way of thought. To strive towards a society where everyone is equally represented does
seem pleasant, but it becomes an inaccurate way of reasoning. For once the ideal
communist society is reached, what would be the point of working? Labor and work are
meant to advance society as a whole, though not all at the same rate, varying on the type
of work and strength at which one strives. Therefore once communism has been reached,
essentially the evolution of man ceases. This would be an impossibility. Since man is
born into an imperfect world, he too is imperfect, changing to meet his own needs within
the needs of the environment in which he lives. Since the only consistency in the
universe is change, then man cannot expect to become the controlling factor of change and
govern its principles. In living in a communist society, man believes that all are equal,
contributing to the advancement of the race as a whole. But the error here is that not
all believe that all are equal. Many feel that their own personal goals are correct, and
they set out to reach them. Consequently, a society of classes begins to develop, where
one voice gains followers while another speaking out against the first creates his own as
well. What then results from these cries is a clash between various groups, leading to
the establishment of a class system. Communism is an idealists utopian dream. It is only
achievable through the unification and agreement of all who populate a state. Only when
an entire populace lose their own individuality will a communist society then take form.
Man continuously strives to prove his own self worth, to himself and not humanity.
Humanity on a whole will continue to progress regardless of personal achievements. Great
men will rise while others fall. It is therefore seen that a communist society due to the
facts regarding social evolution, cannot exist. For a communist society moves ahead
together, yet remains idle when looking at an individual. This is illogical, for we are
just that, individuals. We as humans are imperfect individuals, and selfishly strive
towards justifying our personal goals, collaborating with others only when knowing it
will strengthen our own grip.
Bibliography
Communism. Academic American Encyclopedia. 1989.
Marx, Karl. Compton's Encyclopedia. 1986. 
Socialism. Academic American Encyclopedia. 1989.
Ebenstein, William. Today's isms. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall Incorporated, 1970.
Haberman, Arthur. The Modern Age: Ideas in Western Civilization. Toronto: Gage
Educational Publishing Company, 1987.
Marx, Karl and Friedrich Engels. The Communist Manifesto(1848). Illinois: AHM Publishing
Corporation, 1955.
McKay, John P. and others. A History of Western Society. Volume II, 3rd ed. Boston:
Houghton Mifflin Company, 1987.
Payne, Robert. Marx. Simon and Schuster; New York: 1968.