What We Are Reading (Patreon)

Howdy everyone, 

This week I've been thinking a lot about one of my favorite Lenin quotes "One can never be radical enough; that is, one must always try to be as radical as reality itself." In times of crisis this is certainly true, and in this country we have known only the crisis of capitalism. I first learned of that quote from a great essay by Alexander Cockburn, where he tells the origin of Lenin's line and looks back at the history of the USSR after its fall. 

In the same spirit I also am suggesting the 18th Brumaire, which is one of Marx's masterworks and one of the best examples of his historical materialism in practice. Another Cockburn story here, whenever the young Cockburn was depressed due to some failed attempt at romance or other youthful disappointment, his father, the great Claud Cockburn, would hand him this essay and proclaim read this "it'll put some life in your cheeks." We could all use a bit of that.  

Two other really great pieces, Rob Lucas reviews the new text 'Surveillance Capitalism,' which has enjoyed significant popularity recently, Lucas explains why we should be a bit more level-headed. And lastly Ashok Kumar has an interesting interview with Jacobin about sweatshops and his new book on 'monopsony.'

Also, since we have a bit more time on our hands, be sure to reach out to me if there are any subjects that we should focus more on for these theory readings going forward. 

Best, 

David Griscom 

What we are reading: 

The Surveillance Business - Rob Lucas, 2020 

Sweatshops Aren't Going To Last Forever - Ashok Kumar, 2020

Radical As Reality - Alexander Cockburn, 1991 

18th Brumaire Of Louis Bonaparte - Karl Marx, 1852