What Is Alienation? | Socialism 101

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Quotes:

Marx, Karl (1845). “Theses On Feuerbach”:

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Reading and Resources

Reading:

Althusser, Louis (1964). "Marxism and Humanism" :

Marx, Karl (1845). “Theses On Feuerbach”:

Marx, Karl (1857). "Grundrisse: Foundations of the Critique of Political Economy" :

Marx, Karl (1867). "Capital: A Critique of Political Economy", Volume 1:

Podcasts/YouTube Videos:

Red Menace Podcast (2020) "Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844 - Karl Marx" :

David Harvey (2019) "Anti-Capitalist Chronicles: Alienation - Part 1":

The Marxist Project (2020) "Fundamentals of Marx: Alienation":

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Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:26 – Title
01:53 – What is Alienation?
02:33 - 1. Alienation from Product of Labour
03:50 – 2. Alienation from Act of Production
05:49 – 3. Alienation from Our “Species-Being”
08:21 – 4. Alienation from Other People
09:53 - “Species-being” and Idealism
12:16 - Late Marx and Alienation
13:13 – Recap
14:02 – A Point of Clarification: Humanism Vs Anti-Humanism
15:15 - Credits

[missZoey]

Marx's writings on alienation were what sold me on the concept. I was a exhausted dishwasher at the time and I distinctly remember the part of the manifesto talking about alienation speaking to me.

[CBleys]

I am forever grateful to you and all the other Marxists and leftist content creators who make videos like this, TY, ❤

[themarxistproject]

Very seamless presentation of alienation! This is definitely a concept I feel divided about. On the one hand it seems to have a lot of sticking power for people new to Marxism, on the other hand, its clear dependence on liberal influences in Marx’s early works makes it pretty theoretically unstable.
I really appreciate your inclusion of Althusser here (big shock, I know). He's challenging to read, but his critique of humanism is very valuable for studying Marx. I highly recommend, in addition to what you cited, Althusser's "On the Marerialist Dialectic" and "Contradiction and Overdetermination."

And of course, thank you for the shoutout! <3

[AvatarBowler]

I think there’s something to be said about alienation from others in today’s neoliberal era. It has not only maintained the individualism that capitalism has always incentivized, but turned it up to 11.

The gutting of social welfare, the rampant privatization of the economy, and the globalization of…well, just about everything encourages many of us to focus on ourselves and our own personal struggles. I’ve seen this plenty in America with the “fuck you, got mine” philosophy embedded in millions of us, including myself at times. 😕

What I hate most is that it’s all intentional to keep the working class divided so that the bourgeoisie can keep their riches safely tucked away.

[Dimee]

Based timing! I release a video about the potential automation of labor and you release a banger on the alienation of labor! Honestly I really enjoy this side of Marx. Idealism aside, I always thought young Marx was onto something with the "species being" question and the sacrificial tendency of humans to create a surplus. Its a thing that some french marxists like Georges Bataille analyze

[charan]

I've just sat and binge-watched your Socialism 101 playlist, and have thoroughly enjoyed each and every video! A HUGE thank you for putting so much effort into creating such a fantastic, engaging, and easy-to-follow resource. Absolutely looking forward to your upcoming videos!

[beccagrantham]

It all makes sense now. Why I've been so depressed, and anxious too. I wake up and dread going to work. I'm happiest when I get off work, but then I dead going back. I feel like I have no purpose. I'm literally a cog. And I only work part time!!! I'm not crazy, this isn't normal.

I love this series. So much is starting to come together and be explained. But what do we do?? Can socialism be accomplished in our lifetime? Looking forward to learning more ❤️

[justaguy]

I recently got involved with a local socialist group, most of their understanding is far more advanced than mine. Your videos help close the gap thanks m8.

[sovietbot]

Right wingers: why does it seem like everyone has depression these days!

Me: *links this video*

[Lady_in_Yearning]

Now I feel sad, angry, and helpless to change anything. Becoming a Marxist was a mistake (it wasn't but I'm still sad and angry)

[Celis.C]

This resonates with me so much. It's something I haven't been able to put my finger on, but which I _knew_ was a big problem I've found myself faced with in recent months.
I keep thinking: _"If we finally had a different system that didnt force me into pointless labour, then I could finally realize my own potential, focus on hobbies I'd been meaning to pick up and do a LOT more volunteering work."_ I've just felt so drained of energy and motivation to do any of that, and this video helped me put into words why that is.

Thanks a ton for sharing!

[andrewmurray]

"If you live for the weekend..."
*shows man drinking*

Oh no. That's me.

[Geogenesis]

Absolutely fantastic, even better when watching while at work o7

[Naheed_Ahmed]

Mashallah daddy Marxist Paul has uploaded

[discowolf]

Alienation is specifically what sold me on Marx.

[karun_vv]

My first language is not English so it took me around 2 to 3 times reviewing this video to actually understand the ideas and concepts.

[namangoy]

I'm glad late Marx came to disagree with himself; many types of birds live to create art through the form of song and dance, so as to find mates.

Humans are potentially able to create without thinking about material needs only because we've become The apex predator of the entire world: we can't know what other species would be doing if it weren't for humans stealing their land, the fruits of their labor (such as honey), and ruining the planet.

[socialistsolidarity]

When I watch your videos I find great solace. Thank you, comrade! 🚩🙏🏽

[riley]

Much love to anyone experiencing this alienation 🕉️♥️ hopefully we'll all make it through this

[dr.zoidberg]

Yet another absolutely vital video. Thanks for making these, Paul!