Karl Marx

“The Communist Manifesto”, though obviously significant, was somewhat difficult to understand, especially based on what we have always previously learned about communist rule in different countries of the world. We have always associated communism with a totalitarian-minded, horrifying ruler, based on leaders like Stalin and Hitler. In “The Communist Manifesto” by Karl Marx, the writers of this important document, base their communist ideals on helping the lower, proletariat working-class, improve their overall lifestyles and specifically, their economic conditions. In this document, the bourgeois are also considered the working class, but a wealthier, more fortunate, career-oriented middle class group of people. Marx did not believe that this wealthier class should be in control of the government, because the lifestyles of the proletariat class, would never improve. The proletariat, a lower social class, was obviously the basis for “The Communist Manifesto.” Marx seemed considerably determined to help this working class improve their sociological status, and to work their way to better conditions, without having to work through the barrier of the bourgeois. When Marx lists the principles he believes should be applied to all communist ruling governments, he lists free education in public schooling and the abolition of all right of inheritance (374). These principles, in particular, do not seem to be considerably radical. Free public schooling has always been embraced by the United States democracy. The idea of abolishing the right of inheritance, though somewhat extreme, could encourage people to work harder, to earn their comforts. I felt that “The Communist Manifesto” was a somewhat surprising, and enlightening reading.

Marx, Karl. “The Communist Manifesto.” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th Edition. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006 pp. 356-377