Marx without Lenin
Marx by Terry Eagleton. The Great Philosophers, Phoenix, 1997.
Inscribed on the headstone of Karl Marx's grave in London is the assertion: "The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point, however, is to change it". This was a criticism by Marx, not of philosophy in general, but rather of the German ideology prevalent in certain circles in early nineteenth century Germany. Criticism of the philosophy of that time was also a criticism of the society which gave rise to it. In much the same way as "post-modern" thought today tells us that subjective interpretation is all there is, this is symptomatic of a deeper social malaise. Marx's action-orientated theory provides an understanding of, and contribution towards, human and social development.
