Service To Others

Each According to their Abilities

Afternoon Comrades.

Little late, I know, but sometimes a comrade needs a break and all that. Initially, I was going to write about war today, how could one not, especially in the context of what we can, ultimately, do to not only stop the capitalist war machine, but to forego this barbaric profit machine in which we workers are used for lubricant in their machine. That may well still happen, I do, however, need to read up a little more so that I can critique the failures of our anti-war movement in the last 25 years better. To be clear, so far, our efforts have utterly failed in regards to not only stopping wars but furthermore, creating a world in which no longer is a reality. That’s on the cards these next few days. Not wanting to leave this chance I get to speak to you and since it came up again in conversation over the weekend, I wanted dip a little into one, if not the, main guideline of this last decade. As we all need light in these dark times and it comes from Muhammed Ali.

One of his most memorable quotes, "Service to others is the rent you pay for the room here on earth," encapsulates his philosophy of life and has become a timeless mantra for many. To understand the history behind this quote, we must delve into Ali's life, his beliefs, and the context in which he uttered these words.

Throughout his life, Ali was a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice. He embraced his identity as a black man and refused to shy away from speaking out against racial inequality and injustice. His conversion to Islam in the 1960s, and subsequent name change to Muhammad Ali, further solidified his commitment to his beliefs and principles.

Ali's quote, "Service to others is the rent you pay for the room here on earth," reflects his deeply-held belief in the importance of giving back to society. He saw his success and privilege not as entitlements, but as opportunities to uplift others and make a positive impact in the world. This sentiment was rooted in his Islamic faith, which emphasizes the importance of charity, compassion, and serving those in need.

The context in which Ali spoke these words is significant. They were not merely a soundbite or a catchy phrase; they were a reflection of his lived experiences and his understanding of the world around him. Ali was known for his philanthropy and humanitarian efforts, from supporting various charitable organizations to visiting impoverished communities around the globe.

At the heart of Marxist philosophy is the concept of solidarity and collective struggle. Ali's emphasis on service reflects Marx's vision of a society where individuals contribute to the common good and work together to address systemic inequalities. In Marxist theory, the idea of "from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs" encapsulates the principle of collective responsibility and redistribution of resources. Similarly, Ali's notion of paying rent for the room on earth implies a duty to contribute to the well-being of society, particularly for those who have the means to do so.

Moreover, Ali's quote underscores the Marxist critique of capitalism and its emphasis on individualism and profit-seeking behaviour. Capitalism, according to Marx, alienates individuals from their labor and fosters a culture of competition and self-interest. In contrast, Ali's message promotes a sense of community and solidarity, challenging the capitalist narrative of rugged individualism.

Furthermore, Ali's life and activism embody the Marxist concept of praxis, which emphasizes the integration of theory and action in pursuit of social change. Throughout his career, Ali not only spoke out against racial injustice and inequality but also actively engaged in acts of solidarity and service. From his philanthropic endeavours to his advocacy for marginalized communities, Ali exemplified the Marxist idea of using one's platform and privilege to uplift others and challenge oppressive systems.

The acceptance of Marxism as a logical tool for further work, rather than viewing it as an indoctrinating ideology, is rooted in the recognition of its explanatory power and analytical framework in understanding societal dynamics and addressing systemic inequalities. Approaching it with an open mind and a critical perspective can reveal its value as a scientific method for analyzing and transforming society.

Firstly, Marxism offers a comprehensive analysis of the socio-economic forces shaping human history. Karl Marx's dialectical materialism provides a framework for understanding the interconnectedness of economic structures, social relations, and ideological formations. By examining the contradictions inherent in capitalist society, Marxism unveils the underlying mechanisms of exploitation, alienation, and class conflict. This analytical approach allows for a deeper understanding of the root causes of inequality and injustice, empowering individuals to challenge the status quo and envision alternative social arrangements.

Moreover, Marxism offers concrete tools for organizing and mobilizing social movements. Through concepts such as class consciousness and solidarity, Marxism fosters a sense of collective agency and empowerment among marginalized groups. By recognizing the shared interests and common struggles of the working class, Marxism provides a basis for building alliances and advocating for systemic change. This pragmatic dimension of Marxism emphasizes the importance of praxis—combining theory with action—to effect meaningful social transformation.

Furthermore, Marxism encourages critical inquiry and dialectical thinking, rather than adherence to fixed doctrines or dogmas. While Marxist analysis provides a framework for understanding capitalist society, it also evolves in response to changing historical conditions and new empirical evidence. Marxist scholars and activists continually engage in debates and revisions, enriching the theory with insights from diverse contexts and experiences. This openness to criticism and revision distinguishes Marxism from rigid ideologies and fosters a dynamic approach to understanding and addressing social problems.

Additionally, accepting Marxism as a logical tool for further work requires recognizing its interdisciplinary nature and compatibility with other fields of study. Marxism draws insights from economics, sociology, political science, history, and cultural studies, integrating diverse perspectives into a holistic analysis of social reality. By bridging disciplinary boundaries and synthesizing knowledge from various sources, Marxism offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex dynamics of contemporary society.

And whilst this is entirely fictional I still and will think this to be a brilliant way to say what needs to be said:

There will be times when the struggle seems impossible. I know this already. Alone, unsure, dwarfed by the scale of the enemy.

Remember this, Freedom is a pure idea. It occurs spontaneously and without instruction. Random acts of insurrection are occurring constantly throughout the galaxy. There are whole armies, battalions that have no idea that they’ve already enlisted in the cause.

Remember that the frontier of the Rebellion is everywhere. And even the smallest act of insurrection pushes our lines forward.

And remember this: the Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear.

Remember that. And know this, the day will come when all these skirmishes and battles, these moments of defiance will have flooded the banks of the Empires’s authority and then there will be one too many. One single thing will break the siege.

Remember this: Try. - Karis Nemik / Star Wars Andor.

When it all seems a little bleak, at the very least, remember this and act according to Ali’s words.

We serve the Revolution,

Yours, warmly,

V