True thinkers sit at the same table

 

 by Hishaam Ramoly

 The intellectual landscape often becomes limited by the rigid adherence to particular “isms” or schools of thought. This tendency is especially evident in modern culture, where individuals and groups align themselves with specific ideologies to the point of dogma. Rather than engaging in thoughtful analysis, many people simply declare themselves followers or fans, failing to recognize the deeper connections between seemingly opposing perspectives.

This phenomenon is particularly evident in the United States, where the false dichotomies of “Republicans” versus “Democrats” or “Marxists” versus “Capitalists” dominate public discourse. Such categorizations reduce complex ideas to simplistic identities, ignoring the nuances and subtleties of the original thinkers’ works. The great minds behind these ideas would likely be appalled by such superficial understanding.

One aspect that frustrates me is the misinterpretation and distortion of the works of influential thinkers like Adam Smith and Karl Marx. For instance, the term “invisible hand,” often attributed to Smith, is frequently misused and overquoted by adherents of neoliberalism. However, in Smith’s extensive writings, this term appears only three times. Such cherry-picking and selective interpretation of texts have led to radicalization and a failure to grasp the broader ideas presented by these thinkers.

Nevertheless, there are notable similarities between Smith and Marx in their approach to key issues:

Labour Theory: Both Smith and Marx recognize the pivotal role of labour in the production process and its contribution to value creation. Smith emphasizes the efficiency and productivity gains derived from the division of labour, while Marx focuses on labour exploitation within a capitalist system.

“The real price of everything, what everything really costs to the man who wants to acquire it, is the toil and trouble of acquiring it.” (Book I, Chapter V) – Adam Smith

“The twofold character of the labour embodied in commodities — as concrete labour and as abstract human labour — becomes practically important, only when the products of labour are exchanged, and take the form of commodities.” (Volume I, Chapter I) – Marx

Critique of Mercantilism: Smith and Marx both critique mercantilism, the dominant economic theory of their time. Smith’s “The Wealth of Nations” scrutinizes mercantilist policies, advocating for free trade and open markets. Similarly, Marx criticizes the capitalist system that emerged from mercantilism, highlighting its contradictions and exploitative nature.

“The natural effort of every individual to better his own condition…is so powerful a principle, that it is alone, and without any assistance, not only capable of carrying on the society to wealth and prosperity, but of surmounting a hundred impertinent obstructions with which the folly of human laws too often encumbers its operations.” (Book IV, Chapter II) – Adam Smith

“The wealth of those societies in which the capitalist mode of production prevails, appears as an ‘immense collection of commodities’… Our investigation must therefore begin with the analysis of a commodity.” (Volume I, Chapter I) – Marx

Income Distribution: Both theorists express concerns about wealth and income distribution in society. Smith emphasizes the need for fair income distribution and underscores the importance of social welfare in “The Theory of Moral Sentiments.” Marx condemns the extreme concentration of wealth among capitalists under capitalism and advocates for a more equitable distribution of resources.

Critique of Capitalism: While approaching it from different angles, both Smith and Marx offer critiques of capitalism. Smith, often regarded as the progenitor of modern capitalism, acknowledges the potential for wealth accumulation but warns against unchecked greed and its detrimental societal consequences. Marx presents a more comprehensive and radical critique, arguing that capitalism inherently exploits labour and perpetuates inequality.

Emphasis on Social Progress: Despite their divergent views on achieving social progress, both Smith and Marx ultimately seek societal improvement. Smith argues that the pursuit of individual self-interest, when appropriately regulated, can lead to collective benefits. Marx envisions a society prioritizing the collective interests of the working class, aiming for greater equality and justice.

It is important to recognize that these theoretical writings are responses to specific contexts and should not be treated as timeless or dogmatic doctrines. They are products of intellectual engagement and intended to foster critical thinking rather than blind adherence.

In fact, Marx himself demonstrated the fluidity of intellectual thought when he remarked, “What is certain is that [if they are Marxists], [then] I myself am not a Marxist,” in reference to French socialists Guesde and Paul Lafargue. This statement underscores the need to move beyond superficial labels and realize that true thinkers often share common ground. That true thought is not confined by its terminology.

In conclusion, the intellectual sheep must break free from their confines and understand that genuine thinkers sit at the same table, engage in nuanced analysis and seek to address practical issues through theoretical perspectives; by recognizing the similarities and interconnectedness of different ideologies, a more comprehensive understanding of thought.