this post was submitted on 17 Nov 2025
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"As revolutionaries, we don't have the right to say that we're tired of explaining. We must never stop explaining. We also know that when the people understand, they cannot but follow us. In any case, we, the people, have no enemies when it comes to peoples. Our only enemies are the imperialist regimes and organizations." Thomas Sankara, 1985
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I think beyond this, its incredibly daunting to just be told, "read theory." Especially of someone's idea of theory is Capital. And that isn't even talking about how reading theory isn't actually enough. I read quotations and yet still had to get critique of the Gotha programmed by someone. It was embarrassing but unfortunately necessary.
Personally I think a good mix of things is a good start, plus just having quick references for important questions. I.e, a baby communist should read quotations to understand how to be a communist, state and revolution to understand the state and, well, revolution, and however much economic matter is needed for them to "get it." But that last section can also be done with videos by people like Hakim or The Marxist Project. And otherwise those are very readable works [quotations especially].
After the intial hurdles, people can learn a lot through experience and through general analysis, which can make theory (somewhat) redundant in terms of time, especially of they don't become a cadre.
Honestly Capital is ok. It's simultaneously quite dry and also full of lengthy examples, but it's far from the worst in terms of readability, especially compared to other german philosophers. Marx repeats his key points and ideas like 3 times in different ways, so it's not too difficult to understand, it just takes some time. At the very least, read the communist manifesto, it's short and gets across some of the key results from Capital.
Lenin is even better, at least in terms of writing style, he writes in a very down-to-earth language about down-to-earth issues. It's straight to the point and engaging to read, even if I don't agree with him on everything. (although I read most of his works as originals, so can't speak to the quality of the english translations).
I get that reading is not for everyone, especially nowadays, both with the reduction in attention span and more expressive forms of content being easily available. At the same time, for people who do read regularly, even if it's mostly fiction, reading theory is a fine idea. It doesn't take as long as you might think and it gives you a more complete picture of the world in many ways.
I remember first becoming a Marxist and trying to read Capital.
It was a such a slog I was literally falling asleep. I didn't even finish the first chapter.
Maybe one day I'll try again.
Out of interest, what are your usual reading habits? To me Marx seemed like an outright joyread compared to his predecessor Hegel (I will admit that I haven't finished any of his works). It was also more fun than some fiction stuff I've read.
tbh i struggle sitting still so long reading sessions are difficult for me
same with visual media like movies/shows
i haven't read hegel
I tried to make my intro ML reading list varied and aimed at beginners. It drops the reader into the shallow end, gradually ramping up after laying solid foundations.