Ishmael

[Dhul Fiqar]

I just finished this book - and am interested how other socialists view it. It made me think quite a bit - and even doubt some things I had previously believed.

Are we so obsessed with Marx's explanation of the human condition that we do not see capitalism and modern society as the "story" that it is? Do we need to give up Socialism as well as Capitalism in order for humanity to evolve to the next level?

It is kind of pointless to debate this with someone that hasn't read the book - so I recommend you all get a copy ;)

--- G.

p.s. that is "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn

[truthaddict11]

when i saw Ishmael I thought of Moby Dick :lol:

[Marxist in Nebraska]

I have not read Ishmael, but I know a couple of very progressive high school teachers that I had classes with absolutely swore by that book. They also recommended The Story of B, from the same author. On the other hand, I heard one woman who read it say it was so pompous or self-righteous (something like that) that she did not much care for it. I cannot say for sure... I have not read it.

[Dhul Fiqar]

It basically says: "Listen to me - I am going to tell it like it is" and is therefore a bit preachy. In fact - it is very preachy.

But in the end the force of the message could probably only be delivered that way - it is a powerful one.

I would like to read both "My Ishmael" and "The Story of B" - both by Daniel Quinn and loosely based on the same themes I believe.

--- G.