[act-ma] 1/19 Marx's Capital Vol. 1 Study Group Tuesday

[Emily Clifford]

*JOIN A STUDY GROUP ON MARX’S CAPITAL VOL 1*
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* FIRST MEETING TUESDAY JANUARY 19^TH 2010: 6:30 PM*
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American Friends Service Committee 2161 Mass Ave North Cambridge (Porter T)

The Boston Radical Education Project invites radical activists of all stripes to join in a collectively directed study group to read volume one of Capital and discuss the questions: what was Marx really saying and how can we make use of it in changing our world, today? Divergent points of view and comradely debate will be encouraged!
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The group will meet twice monthly starting January 19, 2010 and all participants will have the opportunity periodically to lead (or co-lead) discussions.
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We will be using the Penguin Classics/Vintage edition (translation--Ben Fowkes; Introduction—Ernest Mandel ) which is widely available in local bookstores, on line, and in libraries.
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We may have to limit participation if numbers become too unwieldy –so reserve your spot today. Don’t miss out on your chance to grapple with one of the most profound critiques of capitalism ever written!
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To reserve a space or get more info contact the REP:
>repboston at gmail.com
> <mailto:repboston at gmail.com>
> 617-491-2876
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> Geez, it’s such a long book, why bother?
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> Marx is justly famous for saying things like “The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point is to change it.” But for Marx, changing
> society had to begin with as deep and precise an analysis of reality as possible. He took capitalism as his object of study and his masterwork Capital is the most complete statement of his analysis.
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> In Capital Marx details how capitalism works, the inhumanity it causes even as it has raised human wealth to levels unfathomable in previous societies. He analyzes the dynamism at its core and shows why it has superseded all other forms of economic activity on earth in just a few hundred years. But Marx also strives to show that it is wracked by unsolvable contradictions and conflicts in its most fundamental structure and that ultimately we can
> replace it with a more humane social system.
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It is a classic that combines a deep, penetrating social analysis with a tremendous grasp of human history. Marx’s style bristles with anger at injustice and flays the
 apologists for that injustice with lacerating humor.
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And it’s not as hard to understand as you may think! His writing is, on the whole, a model of how to discuss complex, difficult concepts in a way that many readers can understand. As such it is an inspiration at a time when much “leftist” writing is needlessly complicated, abstract and jargon filled.


      
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