On: Persuasion through status rather than argument

[carlosjobim → habinero]

Communism as defined by Marx and as practiced by the Soviet Union, China, and the DDR. But you can expand to socialism in the widest sense if you like. Still a bad idea that attracts some very smart people.

[habinero → carlosjobim]

I said your own words, not "as defined by" others.

I've yet to meet anyone who throws around "communism" like that who uses it as anything but a vacuous memetic catchphrase, detached from any real understanding.

[carlosjobim → habinero]

I'm not the father of communism, Marx is, and he defined it pretty clearly in the Communist manifesto, which is still well worth reading.

It's his definition that is interesting for intellectual discussion.