Basic Readings

Here is a list of miscellaneous readings that are easy to digest. Everything on this list is freely available online.

How to Differentiate the Classes in Rural Areas
by Mao Zedong

Here, Chairman Mao explained the differences between the classes that existed in the rural areas in China in the 1930s. China had not been an industrialised country yet, so there were remnants of Feudalism, especially in the rural areas; the classes were landlords, peasants, and workers (proletarians).

The Mass Line
by Mao Zedong

In Chapter 11 of the Little Red Book, you will find quotes from various speeches and articles by Chairman Mao, where he addresses the issue of the Mass Line. The general theme of the Mass Line is that the party should not be disconnected from the masses. The party should collect unorganised ideas from the people, organise them, and present them back to the people in various forms, including political education; the people's reaction will determine whether the party has done a good job of organising the ideas.

Marxism Versus Liberalism
by Joseph Stalin

In a conversation with H.G. Wells, Joseph Stalin discusses the differences between the Marxist aim to abolish Capitalism and the liberals' aims to reform it, and touches on several other topics.

The Principles of Communism
by Friedrich Engels

This is a short list of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Communism. It is very useful for beginners who are not familiar with Communism or Socialism, or who want clarity on a few foundational concepts.

Remembering Michael Manley
by Brian Meeks

In this piece, a reputable political scientist attempts to give a short reflection of Michael Manley's legacy in Jamaica. Michael Manley was committed to a Socialist agenda in the 1970s, passing a range of socio-economic reforms while being faced with capital flight, US imperial aggression, and constant anti-Communist propaganda.

Serving the People
by Mao Zedong

In Chapter 17 of the Little Red Book, you will find a few short quotes from speeches and articles by Chairman Mao, asserting that the party's role is to serve the people, and to be responsible to the people.

Solution to the Problem of Democracy: The Authority of the People
by Muammar Gaddafi

This book is the first of 3 books in Gaddafi's "Green Book" series. It presents an excellent critique of Liberal Democracy, and how general Western practices of Democracy are actually undemocratic. He also subtly critiques Marxist and Marxist-Leninist approaches to politics. The book uses very simple language, and is therefore a great read for beginners. With its general anti-authoritarian tone, it is also a great read for Libertarians and Anarchists.

What is the New Democratic revolution?
by the Workers' Communist Party (Marxist-Leninist)

This is a short piece which highlights the key points in Mao's "New Democracy" model. While we do not endorse the reference to Kampuchea, this is an essential read on national liberation and Socialism in the Third World.