essential texts and other info. other recs include starting Capital Vol 1. David Harvey has a companion to Capital if you don’t want to go at that alone as well as some lectures online that are very helpful. form reading groups!
Other guides:
Socialism Crash Course - Basic terms and questions. Has lots of resources.
Socialism 4 All Youtube Channel - audiobooks of most major works
Revolutionary Study Guide - important major texts as pdfs and communist texts from all around the world
(Marxist Leninist specifically) ML reading hub
Principles of Communism by Friedrich Engels
shortest read - should take you 30 min to 1 hour; precursor to the manifesto.
If you’re planning on reading the manifesto skip this and go to that first.
audiobook
The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
Necessary no matter what kind of communist you are. Outlines the historical development of class struggle and calls for the revolutionary overthrow of capitalist systems, advocating for the establishment of a classless society based on collective ownership of the means of production.
audiobook
These are the two I recommend if you don’t want to tackle Capital at the moment …
Wage Labor and Capital
examines relationship between labor, wages and capital accumulation
audiobook
Value, Price, and Profit
continuation of the above. talks more about the distinction between labor value and market price and the exploitation of labor within capitalism
audiobook
Imperialism, The Highest Stage of Capitalism by Vladimir Lenin
Lenin is good to read early because he extensively quotes Marx and Engels in long form while making his arguments. Also we live in imperialism so it is good to understand the marxist articulation of what that looks like.
audiobook
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The State and Revolution by Vladimir Lenin
Lenin’s theory on the role of the state in revolution. Important to read even if you disagree.
audiobook
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Socialism: Utopian and Scientific
Important to understand what scientific socialism is and why its different
audiobook
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The 3 Sources and 3 Component Parts of Marxism by Vladimir Lenin
The shortest TLDR on what “Marxism” actually means and what it includes.
audiobook
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If you want more on “Marxism” specifically prolewiki’s Marxism portal is great
I also really like “What is Marxism All About?” as something to recommend people who are really new to this kind of thinking
You can also find most texts from the Black Panther Reading List online
Basic Questions?
Professor Richard Wolff does a good job of very basic intros, however I mostly recommend him for beginners. Very easy to understand. He has a podcast available called “Economic Update” on major platforms.
Some examples
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The crew that host “The Deprogram” podcast all have separate YouTube channels as well and do a good job of debunking standard anti communist arguments as well as share information on anti communist history and imperialism.
An example from each of their channels below:
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Leftist Podcasts
Some podcasts to add to your list to continue your education while working out or working or driving
Getting Involved
You can become a party member of a socialist or communist party in your area or do unaffiliated work through or with various organizations. I do not want to endorse a specific organization, but find one that works for you (there are many). Instagram is helpful for finding things like this in your area. Vet the org but also keep an open mind.
One thing people have currently been recommending is working within a mass org (like the Green Party or DSA) while simultaneously forming or working with a local revolutionary organization. If you work with DSA please look into caucuses.
read Prolewiki’s guide to organizing: https://en.prolewiki.org/index.php?title=Category:Guide_to_organizing&v=10
You can also do organizing work that isn’t exactly socialist in nature but still community oriented. This might help you form some connections to start more radical work or help you contribute without being formally in a socialist party.
Some examples below from https://bsky.app/profile/prisonculture.bsky.social
How can I help build a communist movement in the United States?
(This is my personal opinion) Communists in the United States have to first and foremost push back against anti-communism anti-worker, and pro-imperialist rhetoric.
We cannot build a revolutionary movement with the current levels of consciousness in the United States so our first task is to build a receptive base. We need to grow. Educating yourself is of primary importance and so is outreach and agitation. In order to properly do these things you need to understand what you are talking about.
These actions can be as an individual but might be best partnered with mutual aid or communist organizations and/or parties as well. Encourage your orgs and parties to do this kind of work with an explicit political bent.
In the above embedded document by prisonculture there are more ideas, resources and examples.
Education
educate yourself
Support and create independent socialist and communist media
Joining efforts to raise literacy in your area
Creating and spreading pro communist, anti imperialist, pro worker propaganda
stickers, infographics, zines, pamphlets, posters, graffiti, etc
Community art builds could play a role here
yes even short form video
Create and participate in reading groups and study groups
support libraries, join library boards, etc - try to get more access to radical political literature in local libraries, community centers, etc
organize community discussions on local issues
utilize local art venues to: hold political education events, film screenings, gallery exhibitions or public discussions
alternate education structures
Worker Support & Building Worker/Tenant Power
try to build good relationships with your coworkers so you feel like you can speak to them more freely and you can talk about working conditions etc
figure out if you can unionize and do that if possible, be an active member in your union if you are in one. it is important for educated communists to be involved in worker organizing.
Organize or join tenant unions to resist evictions and rent hikes
support local workers and tenants unions as much as possible
build relationships with your neighbors in your building
support and volunteer at local land trusts
volunteer for mutual aid orgs that provide support to low income workers in your area
donate or fundraise for legal aid to support people being evicted and people on rent strikes
