Books matching: capitalism
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'Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative?' by Mark Fisher is a philosophical and critical breakdown of capitalism, exploring the disparity between the idealized vision of capitalism and its actual oppressive nature. Fisher draws examples from popular culture, literature, and philosophy to illustrate his arguments, discussing the entrapment of individuals within the capitalist system. He delves into the concept of 'Capitalist Realism' and challenges the normalization of capitalism in society, highlighting the pervasive influence of capitalism on various aspects of contemporary culture.
In one of the key scenes in Alfonso Cuarón’s 2006 film Children of Men, Clive Owen’s character, Theo, visits a friend at Battersea Power Station, which is now some combination of government building a...- #2
'Das Kapital' by Karl Marx is a detailed and scathing critique of capitalism, focusing on the lived experiences of workers, poverty, and the degradation of laborers. Marx's work is described as an essential starting point to understand the radical changes in the world prior to the 20th century. Despite its flaws and gaps, the book presents challenging and interesting ideas, predicting crises and highlighting the inherent conflict of interest between employees and employers in a capitalist society.
Naomi Klein's 'The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism' is a compelling and eye-opening exploration of how global economics and geopolitics intersect to create environments of exploitation, ruthlessness, and cruelty. Klein argues that disasters, whether natural, political, or economic, are seized upon by global corporations to further their agenda, leading to the privatization of public services and the perpetuation of wealth inequality. Through a series of well-researched examples, Klein reveals the insidious nature of disaster capitalism and its impact on societies around the world. The book is a thought-provoking examination of the modern capitalist state and the influence of multinational corporations on government functions.
Klein's writing style is described as daring, passionate, and journalistic. She presents a collection of facts in a compelling and informative manner, drawing readers in with her thought-provoking analysis of historical events and economic ideologies. The book challenges readers to rethink their understanding of global capitalism and the forces at play in shaping modern society, offering a critical perspective on the intersection of politics, economics, and power dynamics.
I went to the slaughterhouse to observe this so-called "electric slaughtering," and I saw that the hogs were clamped at the temples with big metallic tongs which were hooked up to an electric current ...- #4
The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels is a relatively short and essential text that delves into the historical scope of Marx's thesis, providing a critique of capitalism and offering a vision for the future of the communist internationale. It serves as a foundational document for understanding communism and socialism, presenting a clear and concise perspective on the aims and objectives of the Communist movement.
The book is described as a relatively short and easy read, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. It is noted for providing a compelling vision of government, expressing a persuasive document that has launched significant social and political movements, shaping ideologies and sparking discussions on far-left political ideologies.
Answer: To organise society in such a way that every member of it can develop and use all his capabilities and powers in complete freedom and without thereby infringing the basic conditions of this so... '23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism' by Ha-Joon Chang is a critical analysis of the myths and assumptions surrounding capitalism. Chang challenges the traditional views of economics, highlighting the intertwined nature of economics and politics. Through historical examples and economic theory, the author presents a thought-provoking exploration of how capitalism operates in the real world, debunking common misconceptions and advocating for a more rational approach to economic policies.
Markets need to be free. When the government interferes to dictate what market participants can or cannot do, resources cannot flow to their most efficient use. If people cannot do the things that the...'An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations' by Adam Smith, published in 1776, is a seminal work in the field of political economy. It offers a theoretical foundation while also delving into economic history, monopolies, government policies, taxes, and trade associations. Smith's opinions on wealth distribution, the role of self-interest in public interest, and the economic systems of European countries are highlighted throughout the book. While some readers found the detailed analysis of historical economic data tedious, others appreciated the insightful observations and examples provided by Smith to support his theories.
The greatest improvements in the productive powers of labour, and the greater part of the skill, dexterity, and judgment, with which it is anywhere directed, or applied, seem to have been the effects ...'Capital in the Twenty-First Century' by Thomas Piketty delves into the concept that wealth capital, rather than income, drives growing inequality, leading to an oligarchic society where the wealthy dictate terms to the less fortunate. Piketty provides a wealth of data on income and wealth disparities, mainly in Western countries, demonstrating a trend of increasing inequality over the years with dire social and political consequences. Through historical perspectives on inflation, capital accumulation, and taxation, Piketty argues for structural changes like a progressive capital tax to combat the rising wealth concentration among the privileged few.
On August 16, 2012, the South African police intervened in a labor conflict between workers at the Marikana platinum mine near Johannesburg and the mine’s owners: the stockholders of Lonmin, Inc., bas...'Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism' by Vladimir Lenin provides a clear explanation of imperialism and capitalism. Lenin accurately predicted modern financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank. delves into topics such as financial predation, monopolies, and the exploitation of resources in Africa and Latin America by European imperialists.
Lenin's writing style in the book is dense but effective in getting his point across. He discusses how big companies evolved into monopolies through legal and illegal means, acquiring various branches of production and commercial sectors. highlights the ultra-privatization of globalized capital, the formation of monopolies, trusts, and cartels, and the influence of big industries on government systems.
The enormous growth of industry and the remarkably rapid process of concentration of production in ever-larger enterprises represent one of the most characteristic features of capitalism. Modern censu...- #9
'The Dispossessed' by Ursula K. Le Guin is a science fiction novel that explores the contrasting societies of the twin planets Anarres and Urras. It delves into the life of Shevek, a theoretical physicist from an anarchist society on Anarres, as he navigates the complexities of visiting the capitalist planet of Urras. Through meticulous world-building and thoughtful exploration, the author portrays the struggles and contradictions of these two different worlds, offering a thought-provoking commentary on political ideologies and societal structures. The narrative cleverly weaves together themes of autonomy, government, and integrity, making the book a captivating read for those interested in deep ideas and complex societies.
There are eleven babies in the room, most of them cooped up in large, padded pen-cots in pairs or trios, and settling down, with commotion and elocution, into their naps. The two eldest remain at larg...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hainish Cycle ) - #10
'Atlas Shrugged' by Ayn Rand is a lengthy novel that delves into the philosophy of objectivism through a fictional story. The plot revolves around a world where individuals of exceptional ability go on strike, leaving society to crumble under the weight of socialism and government control. The writing style is described as heavy-handed, filled with lengthy diatribes and philosophical arguments that can be overwhelming for some readers.
The light was ebbing, and Eddie Willers could not distinguish the bum’s face. The bum had said it simply, without expression. But from the sunset far at the end of the street, yellow glints caught his...