MAO—The sciences are differentiated precisely on the basis of the particular contradictions inherent in their respective objects of study. Thus the contradiction peculiar to a certain field of phenomena constitutes the object of study for a specific branch of science. For example, positive and negative numbers in mathematics; action and reaction in mechanics; positive and negative electricity in physics; dissociation and combination in chemistry; forces of production and relations of production, classes and class struggle, in social science; offence and defence in military science; idealism and materialism, the metaphysical outlook and the dialectical outlook, in philosophy; and so on–all these are the objects of study of different branches of science precisely because each branch has its own particular contradiction and particular essence. Of course, unless we understand the universality of contradiction, we have no way of discovering the universal cause or universal basis for the movement or development of things; however, unless we study the particularity of contradiction, we have no way of determining the particular essence of a thing which differentiates it from other things, no way of discovering the particular cause or particular basis for the movement or development of a thing, and no way of distinguishing one thing from another or of demarcating the fields of science.
REVOLUTION
-
-
THE FINNISH BOLSHEVIK—After one hundred years of controversy, the Kronstadt rebellion continues to cause controversy and divide the left, proof of its confusing and largely falsified history, much of it intentional, notes The Finnish Bolshevik, and we agree.
-
Caleb Maupin: Misguided roads to socialism; fetishizing violence; and the problem of Israel
7 minutes readP. GREANVILLE—This is perhaps one of Caleb’s most important chats, fundamental for those who wish to clear their minds of revolutionary claptrap, particularly the possible roads to an American brand of socialism.
Maupin systematically debunks various erroneous concepts still held by many sincere, self-defined socialists, starting with the idea that socialists must embrace violence a fortiori if they are serious about revolution. Next Caleb discusses some wrongheaded strategies that guarantee failure, including Bernstein’s “evolutionary socialism” (revisionism), embraced by social democrats and liberals for over century (most recently followers of Bernie Sanders) with little to show for it, certainly nothing resembling genuine socialism. “Building socialism gradually, one step at a time…with no true event horizon, is a huge delusion,” argues Maupin. “Social system change is always born in crisis.” Also included: Tactics and strategies of the Bolsheviks • Role of Zionism regarding the anti-Czarist revolution, and the malign influence of contemporary Israel.
-
Social change and turmoil are unpredictable: Portland has been the consistent, uninterrupted pulse of the movement.
7 minutes readWho would have bet that Portland, of all possible places, would become the focus of one of the most recalcitrant, courageous anti-status quo protests? It’s humbling, folks. History always carries surprises in its folds. It’s regrettable that such enthusiasm is not liable to survive the many devious stratagems deployed by false friends of the people, and the painful lack of a combative party and leadership capable of providing guidance in the months and years ahead.
-
A Deeper Look At Uprisings Around The World
11 minutes readRevolts are arising all around the world and it can be hard to keep track of them. We speak with Andre Vltchek, a photographer, writer and documentarian who travels all over to cover world events. He brings a deeper understanding of the conditions that have given rise to the protests, the historical context of those conditions and outside forces that may be influencing them. We discuss Lebanon, Hong Kong, China, and the Uyghurs, which are completely propagandized in the United States; and Chile, where people are facing violent state repression and a deeply neoliberal government that has existed since the US-led coup by General Pinochet in 1973.