Frankly, I don't understand why people on this list waste their time
by responding to Shemano's pinpricks disguised as a sincere attempt
to understand. He did this a while back and I answered below,
suggesting he use his head rather than continue with his shallow
provocations. His response? He disappeared from Pen-L until the coast
was clear. So, I can't agree with Michael P's praise of him for
hanging around. He obviously has nothing better to do, but others
really should.
in solidarity,
michael
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From: "michael a. lebowitz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: [PEN-L] What is capital? (was structure & agency [was: TRUE
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At 20:00 05/12/2005, David S wrote:
Let's imagine a hypothetical 50 year old investment banker. He owns
a mansion in Connecticut and Upper East Side apartment, has a
beautiful second wife, vacations at the finest resorts around the
world. He loves wine and art, and has a magnificent collection of
each which he truly appreciates. Having plenty of money, he decides
to retire from investment banking, spending his time managing his
own money and serving on various charitable boards.
My questions is how should a Marxist think of this individual
life? Should we symphathize/feel sorry for him, because he thinks
he is happy but is really "self-estranged?" Or should we point to
his life and happiness and say that once the revolution comes,
everybody can live his life, but capitalism is unjust in the
meantime becase only the few lead that life? Or something else?
David Shemano
Let's begin by teaching him (and others who may have remembered
assorted quotes but forgotten the point) Marxian economics. Ie.,
let's imagine that he learns that capital is the result of the
exploitation of workers and that the income he received and now lives
off is a product of the exploitation of workers. Let's further
imagine that, with his new understanding that wealth is the result of
the activity of the collective worker, he looks around and sees that
the vast majority of the limbs of that collective worker live a life
of subjugation so he and others can have the life and happiness he
enjoys. What should he do? More important, let's imagine (here's a
stretch!) that you have studied Marxist economics and been convinced
by it. How do you answer your own questions?
cheers,
michael
Michael A. Lebowitz
Professor Emeritus
Economics Department
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, B.C., Canada V5A 1S6
Currently based in Venezuela. Can be reached at
Residencias Anauco Suites
Departamento 601
Parque Central, Zona Postal 1010, Oficina 1
Caracas, Venezuela
(58-212) 573-4111
fax: (58-212) 573-7724
Michael A. Lebowitz
Professor Emeritus
Economics Department
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, B.C., Canada V5A 1S6
Currently based in Venezuela. Can be reached at
Residencias Anauco Suites
Departamento 601
Parque Central, Zona Postal 1010, Oficina 1
Caracas, Venezuela
(58-212) 573-4111
fax: (58-212) 573-7724
