I've already read a couple of books, but they were all light reading or straight to the point. Today I started volume 1 of Capital. I read for about 2 hours and I realized I feel like I can't do this; it's very dense and abstract. Are there any habits, thoughts, or other helpful things that keep you focused?

  • star_wraith [he/him]
    ·
    1 year ago

    The first three chapters are tough. Very tough. But like climbing a mountain, they are also rewarding. Some of the most brilliant insights into capitalism that have ever been written. But it’s not easy. But some suggestions before you jump back in:

    • Check out David Harvey’s lectures on YouTube regarding the first 3 chapters
    • Listen to the first few episodes of the podcast “Reading Capital with Comrades” (ignore what Derek says about listening after you read).
    • ignore those first two suggestions and read Wage Labor and Capital and Value Price and Profit first. They are great introductions to the concepts Marx lays out in Capital, Marx even says those lectures were meant for workers who had no prior knowledge of economics
    • Ask questions here! I’d love to hash out questions (and learn more in the process)