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Manifesto: Three Classic Essays on How to Change the World

ernesto che guevara karl marx friedrich engels rosa luxemburg adrienne rich

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“If you are curious and open to the life around you, if you are troubled as to why, how and by whom political power is held and used, if you sense there must be good intellectual reasons for your unease, if your curiosity and openness drive you toward wishing to act with others, to ‘do something,’ you already have much in common with the writers of the three essays in this book.” — Adrienne Rich

With a preface by Adrienne Rich, Manifesto presents the radical vision of four famous young Marx and Engels’ Communist Manifesto , Rosa Luxemburg’s Reform or Revolution and Che Guevara’s Socialism and Humanity .

150 pages, Paperback

First published February 1,2004

This edition

Format
150 pages, Paperback
Published
January 1, 2005 by Ocean Press
ISBN
9781876175986
ASIN
1876175982
Language
English

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About the author

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ernesto che guevara

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Ernesto "Che" Guevara, commonly known as El Che or simply Che, was a Marxist revolutionary, physician, author, intellectual, guerrilla leader, diplomat, and military theorist. A major figure of the Cuban Revolution, since his death Guevara's stylized visage has become an ubiquitous countercultural symbol and global icon within popular culture.

His belief in the necessity of world revolution to advance the interests of the poor prompted his involvement in Guatemala's social reforms under President Jacobo Arbenz, whose eventual CIA-assisted overthrow solidified Guevara's radical ideology. Later, while living in Mexico City, he met Raúl and Fidel Castro, joined their movement, and travelled to Cuba with the intention of overthrowing the U.S.-backed Batista regime. Guevara soon rose to prominence among the insurgents, was promoted to second-in-command, and played a pivotal role in the successful two year guerrilla campaign that topled the Cuban government.

After serving in a number of key roles in the new government, Guevara left Cuba in 1965 to foment revolution abroad, first unsuccessfully in Congo-Kinshasa and later in Bolivia, where he was captured by CIA-assisted Bolivian forces and executed.

Guevara remains both a revered and reviled historical figure, polarized in the collective imagination in a multitude of biographies, memoirs, essays, documentaries, songs, and films. Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century, while an Alberto Korda photograph of him entitled "Guerrillero Heroico," was declared "the most famous photograph in the world" by the Maryland Institute of Art.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 11 votes)
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Profile Image for Kimberly .
Yakkululz
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Che's essay was the one that I could read with the greatest clarity. I truly relished his writing style and his vision. It was captivating and engaging. On the other hand, Luxemburg's examination of militarism was rather eerie, especially when considering our current state and the history that unfolded after her writing, not to mention her tragic demise at the hands of fascists. However, her essay was rather long and repetitive. This was probably because it was initially published as shorter articles, and thus she had to keep repeating the same context that she was responding to. Her prose was also more challenging for me to understand, although there is no doubt that she was a brilliant thinker.


Marx and Engels' work is, of course, essential reading for anyone with an interest in politics and the impacts of capitalism. Arguably, it is the most significant text in terms of history, as so much conflict and revolution have centered around its very existence. However, since it wasn't my first time reading it, the other two essays piqued my interest the most. They offered unique perspectives and insights that I found fascinating and thought-provoking.

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Lmaoborgini
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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"Socialism and Man in Cuba"


This remarkable essay, often referred to as Che's "Communist Manifesto," is a treasure trove of history, profound ideas, detailed plans, and a comprehensive breakdown of the Cuban revolution. In it, Che not only vividly describes how the Cuban revolution triumphed but also meticulously lays out the blueprint for other revolutionary endeavors. Moreover, he expounds on how and why attitudes and culture must undergo a fundamental transformation to attain a truly socialist society.


Che's writing style is truly engaging. His vocabulary is vast and diverse, and at times, it flows like beautiful prose. Yet, his work remains highly accessible, making it an excellent introduction for beginners. However, it should not be underestimated as being too simplistic for those with a deeper knowledge of this subject. It offers valuable insights and perspectives that can enrich the understanding of anyone interested in the complex interplay between socialism and human nature in the context of the Cuban revolution and beyond.


1/3

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franky92
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This small collection of essays, which includes the communist manifesto, is an excellent introduction to Marx.

Even if you believe that you have already grasped the essence of Marx's ideas, this collection can still offer you new perspectives and deeper insights.

The communist manifesto, in particular, is a seminal work that presents Marx's revolutionary vision for society.

It outlines the historical development of class struggles and the need for the proletariat to rise up and overthrow the bourgeoisie.

By reading this collection, you will gain a better understanding of Marx's philosophy, his analysis of capitalism, and his ideas for a more just and equal society.

Whether you are a student of philosophy, economics, or political science, or simply someone interested in understanding the roots of modern social and political thought, this collection is a must-read.

It will challenge your assumptions, expand your knowledge, and inspire you to think critically about the world around you.
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Spoopy_Tutu
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I think during the time I read this, I truly felt as if I was in desperate need of finding some "enlightenment."

However, to my great sadness, I never managed to discover that within the pages of this book.

It seemed that no matter how hard I tried to glean some profound wisdom or understanding from it, it remained elusive.

The words on the pages simply did not speak to my soul in the way I had hoped they would.

Perhaps it was not the right book for me at this particular time in my life, or maybe there was something more that I was seeking that this book could not provide.

Nonetheless, the search for that much-needed "enlightenment" continues, and I remain hopeful that I will one day come across a work that will touch my heart and mind in the way I long for.
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-Hanaa-
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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The language employed in philosophy books has always presented a significant challenge for me to navigate through, particularly those that date back centuries.

The convoluted and often abstruse nature of the text requires a great deal of mental effort and concentration.

However, when it comes to works that are essential for anyone with an interest in politics, Marx's writings stand out as a must-read.

His profound insights into the nature of society, economics, and power have had a lasting impact on political thought and continue to be relevant today.

Despite the initial difficulty in understanding his complex ideas, the effort invested in reading Marx is well worth it as it provides a deeper understanding of the forces that shape our world.

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hoshii_mma
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Beware!!! If you read this, you may be on your way to becoming a socialist ;).


It is truly great starter literature that allows you to look inside some of the genius minds behind socialist theory. You can explore how it has developed throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.


By delving into this literature, you will gain a deeper understanding of the ideas and concepts that have shaped socialist thought. It provides a fascinating journey through time, showing the evolution of socialist theory and its impact on society.


Whether you are already interested in socialism or simply curious to learn more, this literature is a must-read. It offers valuable insights into the minds of some of the greatest socialist thinkers and the development of their ideas.


So, don't be afraid to take the plunge and explore the world of socialist literature. You may be surprised at what you discover and how it can change your perspective on society and politics.

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DeuxExKane
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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It seems like a rather stupid thing to rate. Rating something implies making a judgment or assessment, but sometimes it can feel completely senseless. What criteria are we using to rate? Are these criteria truly valid and reliable?

Often, ratings are based on subjective opinions rather than objective facts. One person's idea of what is good or bad may be completely different from another's. This can lead to a lot of confusion and misinformation.

Moreover, ratings can have a significant impact on a person or thing's reputation. A low rating can potentially damage someone's career or a product's sales. So, shouldn't we be more careful and thoughtful when giving ratings?

In conclusion, while rating may seem like a simple and straightforward task, it is actually much more complex and nuanced than it appears. We need to be aware of the potential pitfalls and make sure that our ratings are based on sound reasoning and evidence.

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Ssargtodees
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July 14,2025
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Great ideas are always inspiring and thought-provoking. However, the sad truth is that many of these ideas could only work in a perfect world.

In a perfect world, humans would cease to ask for more, and more, and more. We would be content with what we have and not constantly strive for more wealth, power, and possessions.

But unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world. Humans are by nature greedy and ambitious, always seeking to improve our lives and achieve more.

Despite this, I still loved the idea and decided to share it. Maybe by sharing it, we can start a conversation and inspire others to think about how we can create a better world, even if it's not perfect.

Who knows, maybe one day, our great ideas will become a reality and we will live in a world that is closer to perfection.
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