dabbling in radical leftism

[ZvP]

after being what would be considered a far left democrat in America, I've realized that capitalism of any form cannot succeed. I'm still not sure what, if any, "tendency" fits me. All I know is that I'm opposed to capitalism. I am a bit skeptical about the practical application of most radical leftist doctrines but perhaps it's simply because of my ignorance, which I came here to dispel. I'm also hoping to feel more confident in defending a capitalist alternative when discussing it with people.

[ВАЛТЕР]

Welcome to the forum. Feel free to ask questions and join the discussions when you see fit.

[roy]

one does not dabble in radical leftism; one pours life and blood into the revolutionary machine!

jk. welcome :)

[Jimmie Higgins]

Welcome.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Welcome and enjoy your stay.

[The Jay]

Hi there! Welcome to the forum! Just message me if you need anything or have any questions. If I don't know the answer I will know where to go.

[#FF0000]

welcome, dogg.

[Ravachol]

Welcome!


I'm still not sure what, if any, "tendency" fits me.

Word of advice: don't try to make fit within a tendency, find out what resonates with you and take your own life, your own experiences and your own desires as a starting point.

[Brosa Luxemburg]

As another user said, don't try to "fit" into a tendency. Read the basics of Marx and Engels, then move on to other writers of different tendencies and you are sure to find your place.

If I can suggest something for a beginner, it's this by Engels.

http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1847/11/prin-com.htm

I consider it much better than the communist manifesto, honestly. Better written, simpler, etc.

[Ravachol]

Some other great introductory texts which outline general a critique of capitalism and various communist concepts are:

The reproduction of everyday life (http://libcom.org/library/reproduction-everyday-life-fredy-perlman)

and the comicbook-esque pamphlets of prole.info:

Work, Community, Politics, War (http://www.prole.info/wcpw/index.html)

Abolish Restaurants (http://www.prole.info/ar/index.html)

The housing monster (http://www.prole.info/pdfs/thm.pdf)

[Le Socialiste]

Welcome! Former "left" Democrat here as well. The last thing you want to do is rush into any one tendency; take some time to familiarize yourself with the generalities and specifics of anti-capitalism, and discover where you fall. Hope you enjoy your stay.

[Hermes Argeiphontes]

ZvP,

If you'd like to read something more modern, and are willing to invest a bit of time, there's an excellent book by philosopher Istvan Meszaros called "Beyond Capital". Essentially, it works out how capitalism cannot succeed because there are both extensive and intensive limits to growth. It's longer than two Bibles, but well worth the effort.

From another noob, Welcome.