Page:Karl Marx The Man and His Work.pdf/87



S a fitting supplement to the lectures published under this title in the first three numbers of this magazine, I will now endeavor to furnish the reader with a compilation of works which I deem absolutely essential for a serious and comprehensive study of Socialism. In the humble opinion of the writer, such a study must inevitably lead to a scientific understanding of Marxism—an understanding quite imperative to an intelligent and sound appreciation of Capitalism.

There is probably no social theory outside of the various religious conceptions, and no book except the Bible that can boast of more adherents and advocates the world over than Socialism and "Capital." Socialism is to-day a factor in the social and political life of every nation, and the theoretical propositions and basic principles of Marxism are at this turbulent period the revolutionary force and intellectual standard around which the workers and all truly disinterested students of Sociology and Political Economy rally in their struggle against the debasing influences of the mercenary Social Sciences. Marxism can, therefore, and without indulging in exaggeration, lay claim to the legacy of Classical Political Economy, and consider itself the only legitimate heir to the scientific values of this science. And acting in accord with this dictate of social development, Marx has raised upon the solid foundation laid by a Petty, Smith, Ricardo and Mills a structure truly massive, colossal and inspiring in its mighty grandeur, and overpoweringly convincing, yes unassailable and irrefutable in the scientific profundity of its construction.

As has been amply elucidated and sufficiently explained, the two propositions upon which the theoretical system of Marx rests and whose proper appreciation is absolutely necessary for a