| From Unity, 23 May 2009 |
Lessons of Marxismby Gary DenisIt would be unrealistic to take up the attitude that because a Marxist disapproves of the capitalist system he or she will not play.Not only is this physically impossible, because we must work to live, but it would be in opposition to the lessons of Marxism. Theory will remain abstract and valueless unless it emerges in practical policy and practical action. The problems of this society have to be resolved with the material at our disposal, and that must be the best attainable under capitalism. The higher the material level attained by the members of society, the greater the educational facilities; and, as our experience of running capitalism becomes more mature, the more likely are we to understand the meaning of social change. Only thus can theory and practice unite. Why should a Marxist devote time and attention to problems concerned with the reorganisation of capitalism? Is the Marxist task not rather that of opposition to capitalist development (which rests, as it must, on the exploitation of labour) in order to ensure the quickest transition to socialism? How can a socialist, conscious of the inherent contradictions in capitalism, aware of the fact that it must move to deeper and deeper crises, seek to co-operate with capitalism to overcome its crises ? A Marxist, from analysis of motivating forces in society, is fully alive to the fact that the next stage in social life is that of a socialist economy. Socialism, however, will inherit all the knowledge and accumulated experience that has developed under capitalism, which in its day was best adapted to create. As long as capitalism functions in such a way as to encourage this knowledge, and can find means to exploit it to the benefit of the people, it is to that extent a progressive force. The fact that in so doing it is laying in store for itself difficulties has little to do with this. Crisis will be met when it arises, and when a capitalist way out cannot be found, the people must be ready to find the socialist way out. But to see through the difficulties of a confused situation requires clarity of vision, and such clarity is not vouchsafed to a people who have suffered physical depravity or educational deprivation. Moreover, to take over the running, control and development of a complex industrialised society just at the moment when capitalist control has failed in its allotted task, so that chaos and depression are the order of the day, implies a population of workers experienced in technical administration, and willing and able to shoulder responsibility. |
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