I am interested in politics, and even tho i am not a communist, i am interested in what can be learned from it and i also want to learn more about political ideologies as a whole, instead of speaking out of my ass whenever someone mentions communism and potentially say some bullshit. What do you think?
Yep, that would be great! I think a good place to start would be this reading list I put together. You can just check out the first couple sections:
1. Introduction [~1.5 hr]
Before beginning your studies, it’s important to learn how to best economize our time, and why we should study Marxism-Leninism in the first place.
Webpage [~5 min]
Written by one of the founding Bolsheviks for students in the early USSR, this is a concise guide on how to best absorb the information to come as efficiently as possible by Nadezhda Krupskaya.
Webpage | Audiobook [~10 min / 22 min]
Wanting to persuade his contemporaries to pursue a path of intentional development in order to avoid nuclear war and escape the profit motive, Einstein argues the case for moving onto a planned and collectivized economy over the chaos of markets and the profit motive.
Webpage | Audiobook [~15 min / 21 min]
Roderic Day makes his case for why now, in the 21st century, Marxism-Leninism remains the strongest tool for working-class liberation, and why we should defend the achievements of actually existing socialism despite their real flaws.
Webpage | Audiobook [~5 min / 11 min]
Marxist-Leninists do not believe Stalin, Mao, etc. did no wrong, nor do we believe actually existing socialist states (AES) to be perfect and free from criticism. Proper appraisal of the genuine achievements and genuine shortcomings of socialism in real life requires brushing away capitalist mythologizing. Once the fact is separated from fiction, only then can we hope to build on the successes of our predecessors while avoiding repeating mistakes.
Webpage Transcription of Speech | Original Speech [~1 hr / 1 hr 33 min]
Dr. Michael Parenti delivers perhaps his most famous speech, discussing the predatory role of the US Empire and the progressive role played by socialist countries, including the necessary mechanisms of protection they develop against western imperialism.
Webpage [~10 min]
As a hugely successful revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh explains why it is not enough to have good intentions, we must do our best to study revolutionary theory to guide revolutionary practice.
Checkpoint
Why do you want to study Marxism-Leninism?
How can it be helpful in your present life?
Why should we establish a socialist society?
2. Fundamentals [~2.5 hr]
To start off your studies, a clear understanding of basic terminology, as well as the historical context that gave rise to Marxism, is necessary.
Webpage/.epub | Audiobook [~30 min /48 min]
A glossary of terms and background information, in an FAQ format.
Webpage | Audiobook [~1 hr / 1hr 28 min]
Lenin, as a part of his rigorous studies of Marx and his writings for application in the conditions particular to his contemporary conditions, came to know and understand Marx and his ideology at a deeper level.
Webpage | Audiobook [~5 min / 18 min]
Outlaying the 3 major components of Marxism, and a short history of how they came to be.
Webpage | Audiobook [~1hr / 1 hr 35 min]
Marx & Engels call the international proletariat to action using the in this overview of the aims of the communists.
Checkpoint
What historical context gave rise to Marxism?
What are the 3 major components of Marxism?
In your country, what does the class makeup of society look like? Which can be aligned with the proletariat? Which cannot?
Of course, I recommend the whole thing. Alternatively, Prolewiki’s Marxism portal contains a fantastic short list of articles that help explain the absolute basics quickly.