Single Idea 5294

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 9. Communism]

Full Idea

In order to assert themselves as individuals, the proletarians must overthrow the State.

Clarification

The 'proletarians' are the working classes

Gist of Idea

To assert themselves as individuals, the proletarians must overthrow the State

Source

K Marx / F Engels (The German Ideology [1846], §1.D)

Book Reference

Marx,K./Engels,F.: 'The German Ideology', ed/tr. Arthur,C.J. [Lawrence and Wishart 1985], p.85


A Reaction

By the 'State' is here meant the centralised power of the owners of the means of production. They are not aiming at anarchism, but at a more fluid 'society' or 'community'. Most of us have an Orwellian fear of violent 'overthrowing'.