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Loading... Seventeen Contradictions and the End of Capitalism (edition 2014)by David Harvey (Author)I don't know why all the Marxists I read so far gave the impression that when they point out some characteristic of capitalism they are being clever. No one is disputing these, and none of them are some hidden feature you have suddenly uncovered. In fact on most of them fans of capitalism will wholeheartedly agree with you. And yes, most of them are just that, characteristics, not contradictions - this attempt to redefine a basic word is tortuous and pointless. Almost the whole book is describing dynamics of capitalism, pointing out it's shortcomings. In the last couple of pages the author provides some goals he tries to pass off as practical solutions. It's as if I suggested that we should have world peace. That is not a solution. How about you reverse the ratio? Spend a couple of pages to describe the faults with capitalism that you want to solve and then spend the rest of the book suggesting your alternative solutions. Harvey at his best. You don't need to agree with all of his analysis or his ideological basis to recognize the depth of his understanding of the inherent contradictions in capital. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the state of the world today and how capitalism shapes not only our relation to the material, nature, and others, but also our own ideologies and beliefs. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)330.12Social sciences Economics Economics Theory SystemsLC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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And yes, most of them are just that, characteristics, not contradictions - this attempt to redefine a basic word is tortuous and pointless.
Almost the whole book is describing dynamics of capitalism, pointing out it's shortcomings. In the last couple of pages the author provides some goals he tries to pass off as practical solutions. It's as if I suggested that we should have world peace. That is not a solution.
How about you reverse the ratio? Spend a couple of pages to describe the faults with capitalism that you want to solve and then spend the rest of the book suggesting your alternative solutions. ( )