Most of Marx' most influential works were political agitation written as part of his work on organising the first and second Internationals, and actively meddling in the affairs of various socialist parties.
He was under regular threat of deportation and arrest for his political work. (edit: and moved countries several times because of these threats)
We only see Marx' as predominantly a philosopher today because his political work was overshadowed by later developments.
> The first effective thing Stalin could do was to neutralize self interest, because that's the one smallest thing you can do when you listen about Marx.
On the contrary - self interest is essential to Marxism. The very core of Marx political agitation was aimed at getting the members of the working classes to understand that their self interests were separate from those of the bourgeoisie.
If you eliminate self-interest, Marxist socialism becomes impossible.
> The very core of Marx political agitation was aimed at getting the members of the working classes to understand that their self interests were separate from those of the bourgeoisie.
That's like teaching sheeps to unite. It's important to enlighten people, but it won't prevent self interests to collide. Politicians in power can't listen to everyone, it's always easier to listen and talk to powerful minorities who have the strongest self interest.
> Marx was a politician first, philosopher second.
I'd say an activist. I don't see Marx as an active member of a political party, making speeches and announcements. He was more of an intellectual.
When I say politics I say the original etymology of the word politics, meaning having power.
Most of Marx' most influential works were political agitation written as part of his work on organising the first and second Internationals, and actively meddling in the affairs of various socialist parties.
He was under regular threat of deportation and arrest for his political work. (edit: and moved countries several times because of these threats)
We only see Marx' as predominantly a philosopher today because his political work was overshadowed by later developments.
> The first effective thing Stalin could do was to neutralize self interest, because that's the one smallest thing you can do when you listen about Marx.
On the contrary - self interest is essential to Marxism. The very core of Marx political agitation was aimed at getting the members of the working classes to understand that their self interests were separate from those of the bourgeoisie.
If you eliminate self-interest, Marxist socialism becomes impossible.