[MD] Regarding The Fundamental Nature of The Intellectual

[craigerb at comcast.net]

[Chris]
> When I talk about the Marxist theory I mostly mean the strive 
> towards abolishing the capitalist system (so that social values such as 
> profit isn't allowed to subjugate humanity's strive towards knowledge)

In comparing Marxism to a free society, this seems the area where Marxism
is weakest.  Marxism's record regarding innovation & accumulation of
knowledge falls way short of the free market's.

[Chris]
> classic Marxism saying we need a several hundred year transition period
> of socialism where the social values are reshaped to be more in the
> intellectual levels favour.

But imagine what progress a free society could make in those centuries.

[Chris]
> Lenin...a perfect example of a vessel for the intellectual level trying to
> bring intellectual supremacy over social values about. Of course the
> conditions weren't there (in Russian and the world) and he 
> happened to die young

[Craig]
You may be right about Lenin.  I've never heard anyone defend him, so
I know him from only his role in overthrowing Kerensky & executing without 
trial the Romanov family & their servants.  (So much for workers.)
Perhaps if he had lived past 53 years of age, he could have moved
beyond these youthful antics to accomplish something of value.

I should say I'm not against Marxists/socialists/communists.
I believe Amish, Amerindian, hippie, etc. communes fulfill some
people's values.  Moreover, these people are able to peaceably
co-exist with those who value a more individualistic society.
Needless to say, I don't believe either kind of society should
force anyone to join it.
Craig