July 27, 2025 • 14 mins
This captivating essay by Harold Laski, a renowned figure in the British socialist movement, offers an in-depth examination of Karl Marxs life and philosophy. Born in Manchester in 1893, Laski was an influential member of the Fabian Society and the Socialist League faction of the Labour Party. As a professor at the London School of Economics, he mentored numerous politicians, including leaders of post-war Asia and Africas independence movements, and Ralph Milliband, father of the current Labour Party leader, Ed Milliband. Laskis political views, which encompassed democratic socialism, revolutionary Marxism, and Zionism, were sophisticated and multifaceted. This compelling 1922 essay provides a critical and scholarly analysis of Marxs work and life. - Summary by Phil Benson (adapted from Wikipedia)
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Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Part eight of Karl Marx, an essay by Harold J. Lasky.
This Libraryvox recording is in the public domain by the
same author, The Fabian Society and Fabian publications by the
same author. The Problem of Sovereignty, Authority in the Modern State,
(00:24):
Selected letters of Edmund Burke, edited with an introduction. The
above are published by the Oxford University Press. Political Thought
in England from Locke to Bentham, Williams and Norgate, The
Foundations of Sovereignty and other essays Alan and Unwin. The
(00:46):
Fabian Society, twenty five tot Hill Street, Westminster, London, s
w one. Those willing to join the Labour Party or
desirous of obtaining information about its program and principles are
invited to communicate with the Secretary of the Fabian Society.
The Fabian Society has been from the outset a constituent
(01:08):
body of the Labour Party, and membership of the Society
carries with it full membership of the Labour Party, eligibility
for nomination at all conferences and officers, and qualification for
Labour Party candidatures for Parliament and local authorities, without obligation
to belong to any other organization. The Society welcomes as
(01:28):
members any persons, men or women wherever residents who subscribe
to its basis set forth below, and who will cooperate
in its work according to their opportunities. Basis of the
Fabian Society to be signed by all members adopted May
twenty third, nineteen nineteen. The Fabian Society consists of socialists.
(01:53):
It therefore aims at the reorganization of society by the
emancipation of land and industrial capital from individual ORNs ownership,
and the vesting of them in the community for the
general benefits. In this way only can the natural and
acquired advantages of the country be equitably shared by the
whole people. The Society accordingly works for the extinction of
(02:15):
private property in land, with equitable consideration of established expectations
and due provision as to the tenure of the home
and the homestead. For the transfer to the community by
constitutional methods of all such industries as can be conducted socially,
and for the establishment as the governing consideration in the
regulation of production, distribution and service of the common good
(02:39):
instead of private profit. The Society is a constituent of
the Labour Party and of the International Socialist Congress, but
it takes part freely in all constitutional movements, social, economic,
and political, which can be guided towards its own objects.
Its direct business is a the propaganda of socialism in
(03:00):
its application to current problems. B. Investigation and discovery in social, industrial, political,
and economic relations. C. The working out of socialist principles
in legislation and administrative reconstruction. D. The publication of the
results of its investigations and their practical lessons. The Society,
(03:24):
believing in equal citizenship of men and women in the
fullest sense, is open to persons irrespective of sex, race,
or creed, who commit themselves to its aims and purposes
as stated above, and undertake to promote its work. The
Society includes one members who must sign the basis and
be elected by the Committee. Their subscriptions are not fixed.
(03:49):
Each is expected to subscribe annually according to his means.
They control the Society through the Executive Committee, elected annually
by ballot through a postal vote, and add its annual
and other business meetings. Section two associates who sign a
form expressing only general sympathy with the objects of the
Society and pay not less than ten shillings a year.
(04:13):
They can attend all except the exclusively members meetings, but
have no control over the Society and its policy. Three subscribers,
who must pay at least five shillings a year and
who can attend the Society's ordinary lectures. The monthly paper
Fabian News, and the tracks from time to time published
in the well known Fabian series are posted to all
(04:36):
these classes. There are convenient common rooms where light refreshments
can be obtained, with an extensive library for the free
use of members. Only among the Society's activities in which
it places its services unreservedly at the disposal of the
Labour Party and the local Labour parties all over the country,
the trade unions and trades councils, and all other Labour
(04:58):
and socialist organization may be mentioned. One free lectures by
its members and officers. Two the well known Fabian book boxes,
each containing about three dozen of the best books on economics,
politics and social problems, which can be obtained by any
organization of men or women for fifteen shillings per annum,
(05:20):
covering an exchange of books every three months. Three answers
to questions for members of local authorities and others on legal,
technical or political matters of local government, et cetera. Four
special subscription courses of lectures on new developments in thought.
Five Economic and social investigation and research and publication of
(05:44):
the results. Lists of publications, annual report, form of application
as member or associate, and any other information can be
obtained on application personally or by letter to the Secretary
at the above address. Fabian Publications. Fabian Essays nineteen twenty edition,
(06:06):
two shillings and sixpence postage threepence. What to Read on
Social and Economic Subjects two shillings net postage threepence. Toward
Social Democracy by Sydney Webb, one shilling net postage tuppence.
From Patronage to Proficiency in the Public Service by W. A. Robson,
(06:29):
one shilling net postage tuppence This Misery of Boots by H. G. Wells.
Sixpence post free sevenpence. Fabian Tracks and Leaflets. Tracks each
sixteen to fifty two pages, price a penny or ninepence
per dozen, unless otherwise stated. Leaflets four pages each, price
(06:53):
a penny for three copies, two shillings per hundred or
twenty shillings per thousand. The set of seventy four seven
shillings and sixpence post free eight shillings and sixpence bound
in Buckram twelve shillings and sixpence post three thirteen shillings
and sixpence. One General Socialism in its various aspects Tracts
(07:17):
one hundred ninety two. Guild Socialism by G. D. Cole
m A one hundred eighty. The Philosophy of Socialism by A.
Clutton Brock one hundred and sixty nine. The Socialist Movement
in Germany by W. Stephen Sanders tuppence one hundred and
fifty nine. The Necessary Basis of Society by Sidney Webb
(07:39):
one hundred and fifty one. The Point of Honor by
Ruth C. Bentinck one hundred forty seven. Capital and Compensation
by E. Rps one hundred and forty six. Socialism and
Superior Brains by Bernard Shaw, tuppence one hundred and forty two.
Rent and Value one hundred thirty eight, Municipal Trading one
(08:02):
hundred and twenty one. Public Service versus Private Expenditure by
Sir Oliver Lodge tuppence one hundred and seven. Socialism for
Millionaires by Bernard Shaw, one hundred and thirty nine. Socialism
and the Churches by Reverend John Clifford, d d. One
hundred and thirty three. Socialism and Christianity by Reverend Percy
(08:25):
Dearmer Tuppence seventy eight. Socialism and the Teaching of Christ
by Dr J. Clifford forty two. Christian Socialism by Reverend S. D.
Hedlam seventy nine. A Word of Remembrance and Caution to
the Rich by John Woolman seventy two. The Moral Aspects
(08:45):
of Socialism by Sydney Ball Tuppence sixty nine. Difficulties of
Individualism by Sydney Webb fifty one. Socialism True and False
by Sydney Webb forty five. The Impossibility of Anarchism by G. B.
Shaw Tuppence seven, Capital and Land five Facts for Socialists
(09:08):
Threepence Leaflets thirteen. What Socialism is One? Why are the
Many Poor? Two? Applications of socialism to particular problems Tracts
one hundred and ninety six. The Route of Labour Unrest
(09:29):
by Sydney Webb Tuppence, one hundred and ninety five. The
Scandal of the Poor Law by C. M. Lloyd Tuppence,
one hundred and ninety four. Taxes Rates and Local Income
Tax by Robert Jones, D C. Tuppence one hundred and
eighty eight. National Finance and a Levey on Capital by
Sydney Webb Tuppens one hundred and eighty seven. The Teacher
(09:53):
in Politics by Sydney Webb, tuppence one hundred eighty six.
Central Africa and the League of Nations by R. C.
Hawkin tuppence one hundred eighty three. The Reform of the
House of Lords by Sydney Webb, one hundred eighty one.
When Peace Comes the Way of Industrial Reconstruction by Sydney Webb,
(10:14):
tuppence one hundred seventy eight, The War, Women and Unemployment
tuppence one hundred and seventy seven. Socialism and the Arts
of Use by A. Clutton Brock one hundred and seventy five.
The Economic Foundations of the Women's Movement tuppence one hundred
seventy three. Public versus Private Electricity Supply one hundred seventy
(10:38):
Profit Sharing and co Partnership, A Fraud and Failure one
hundred sixty four. Golden State Banking one hundred and sixty two.
Family Life on a Pound a Week by Missus Reeves
tuppence one hundred and sixty one a Forestation and Unemployment
one hundred and fifty five. The Case against the Referendum
(11:00):
one hundred and fifty four. The Case for School Clinics
one hundred and fifty two. Our Taxes as they are
and as they ought to be Tuppens, one hundred and
forty five, The Case for school Nurseries one hundred forty
Child Labour under Capitalism one hundred thirty six. The Village
(11:20):
and the Landlord by Edward Carpenter one hundred and forty four.
Machinery Its Masters and Servants one hundred and twenty two,
Municipal Milcombe public Health one hundred and twenty five, Municipalization
by Provinces one hundred and twenty four, State control of
Trusts Leaflet one hundred and four How trade unions benefit workmen?
(11:48):
Three Local government Powers, How to Use them Tracts one
hundred eighty nine. Metropolitan Borough Councils Their Constitution, Powers and
Duties by c R Atlee MA Tuppence, one hundred and
ninety one Borough Councils Their Constitution, Powers and Duties by
(12:09):
c R Atlee MA Tuppence, one hundred and ninety three
Housing by C. M Lloyd MA Threepence one hundred and
eighty nine. Urban District Councils by C. M. Lloyd MA
Tuppence sixty two, Parish and District Councils Revised nineteen nineteen
Tuppence one hundred and thirty seven Parish Councils and Village
(12:33):
Life Leaflets one hundred and thirty four Small Holdings sixty eight,
The Tenants Sanitary Catechism seventy one, Ditto for London. Four
General Politics and Fabian Policy Tracts one hundred and fifty eight.
(12:54):
The Case against the Cs by Missus Townsend forty one.
The Fabians Asiety its Early History by Bernard Shaw. Five
bibliographical series in portrait covers Tuppence and Threapns one hundred
and eighty two. Robert Owen Idealist by C. E. M.
(13:15):
Jode one hundred and seventy nine. John Ruskin and Social
Ethics by Professor Edith Morley one hundred and sixty five.
Francis Place by Saint John g Irvin Threepence, one hundred
and sixty six. Robert Owen Social Reformer by Miss B. L.
Hutchins one hundred and sixty seven. William Morris and the
(13:37):
Communist Ideal by Missus Townsend threepence one hundred sixty eight.
John Stewart Mill by Julius West threepence one hundred and
seventy four. Charles Kingsley and the Christian Socialism by c
Eve Vuolieimy end of Carl Marx An essay by Harold J. Lasky,
(14:00):
read by Phil Benson in Sydney, Australia
Part eight of Karl Marx, an essay by Harold J. Lasky.
This Libraryvox recording is in the public domain by the
same author, The Fabian Society and Fabian publications by the
same author. The Problem of Sovereignty, Authority in the Modern State,
(00:24):
Selected letters of Edmund Burke, edited with an introduction. The
above are published by the Oxford University Press. Political Thought
in England from Locke to Bentham, Williams and Norgate, The
Foundations of Sovereignty and other essays Alan and Unwin. The
(00:46):
Fabian Society, twenty five tot Hill Street, Westminster, London, s
w one. Those willing to join the Labour Party or
desirous of obtaining information about its program and principles are
invited to communicate with the Secretary of the Fabian Society.
The Fabian Society has been from the outset a constituent
(01:08):
body of the Labour Party, and membership of the Society
carries with it full membership of the Labour Party, eligibility
for nomination at all conferences and officers, and qualification for
Labour Party candidatures for Parliament and local authorities, without obligation
to belong to any other organization. The Society welcomes as
(01:28):
members any persons, men or women wherever residents who subscribe
to its basis set forth below, and who will cooperate
in its work according to their opportunities. Basis of the
Fabian Society to be signed by all members adopted May
twenty third, nineteen nineteen. The Fabian Society consists of socialists.
(01:53):
It therefore aims at the reorganization of society by the
emancipation of land and industrial capital from individual ORNs ownership,
and the vesting of them in the community for the
general benefits. In this way only can the natural and
acquired advantages of the country be equitably shared by the
whole people. The Society accordingly works for the extinction of
(02:15):
private property in land, with equitable consideration of established expectations
and due provision as to the tenure of the home
and the homestead. For the transfer to the community by
constitutional methods of all such industries as can be conducted socially,
and for the establishment as the governing consideration in the
regulation of production, distribution and service of the common good
(02:39):
instead of private profit. The Society is a constituent of
the Labour Party and of the International Socialist Congress, but
it takes part freely in all constitutional movements, social, economic,
and political, which can be guided towards its own objects.
Its direct business is a the propaganda of socialism in
(03:00):
its application to current problems. B. Investigation and discovery in social, industrial, political,
and economic relations. C. The working out of socialist principles
in legislation and administrative reconstruction. D. The publication of the
results of its investigations and their practical lessons. The Society,
(03:24):
believing in equal citizenship of men and women in the
fullest sense, is open to persons irrespective of sex, race,
or creed, who commit themselves to its aims and purposes
as stated above, and undertake to promote its work. The
Society includes one members who must sign the basis and
be elected by the Committee. Their subscriptions are not fixed.
(03:49):
Each is expected to subscribe annually according to his means.
They control the Society through the Executive Committee, elected annually
by ballot through a postal vote, and add its annual
and other business meetings. Section two associates who sign a
form expressing only general sympathy with the objects of the
Society and pay not less than ten shillings a year.
(04:13):
They can attend all except the exclusively members meetings, but
have no control over the Society and its policy. Three subscribers,
who must pay at least five shillings a year and
who can attend the Society's ordinary lectures. The monthly paper
Fabian News, and the tracks from time to time published
in the well known Fabian series are posted to all
(04:36):
these classes. There are convenient common rooms where light refreshments
can be obtained, with an extensive library for the free
use of members. Only among the Society's activities in which
it places its services unreservedly at the disposal of the
Labour Party and the local Labour parties all over the country,
the trade unions and trades councils, and all other Labour
(04:58):
and socialist organization may be mentioned. One free lectures by
its members and officers. Two the well known Fabian book boxes,
each containing about three dozen of the best books on economics,
politics and social problems, which can be obtained by any
organization of men or women for fifteen shillings per annum,
(05:20):
covering an exchange of books every three months. Three answers
to questions for members of local authorities and others on legal,
technical or political matters of local government, et cetera. Four
special subscription courses of lectures on new developments in thought.
Five Economic and social investigation and research and publication of
(05:44):
the results. Lists of publications, annual report, form of application
as member or associate, and any other information can be
obtained on application personally or by letter to the Secretary
at the above address. Fabian Publications. Fabian Essays nineteen twenty edition,
(06:06):
two shillings and sixpence postage threepence. What to Read on
Social and Economic Subjects two shillings net postage threepence. Toward
Social Democracy by Sydney Webb, one shilling net postage tuppence.
From Patronage to Proficiency in the Public Service by W. A. Robson,
(06:29):
one shilling net postage tuppence This Misery of Boots by H. G. Wells.
Sixpence post free sevenpence. Fabian Tracks and Leaflets. Tracks each
sixteen to fifty two pages, price a penny or ninepence
per dozen, unless otherwise stated. Leaflets four pages each, price
(06:53):
a penny for three copies, two shillings per hundred or
twenty shillings per thousand. The set of seventy four seven
shillings and sixpence post free eight shillings and sixpence bound
in Buckram twelve shillings and sixpence post three thirteen shillings
and sixpence. One General Socialism in its various aspects Tracts
(07:17):
one hundred ninety two. Guild Socialism by G. D. Cole
m A one hundred eighty. The Philosophy of Socialism by A.
Clutton Brock one hundred and sixty nine. The Socialist Movement
in Germany by W. Stephen Sanders tuppence one hundred and
fifty nine. The Necessary Basis of Society by Sidney Webb
(07:39):
one hundred and fifty one. The Point of Honor by
Ruth C. Bentinck one hundred forty seven. Capital and Compensation
by E. Rps one hundred and forty six. Socialism and
Superior Brains by Bernard Shaw, tuppence one hundred and forty two.
Rent and Value one hundred thirty eight, Municipal Trading one
(08:02):
hundred and twenty one. Public Service versus Private Expenditure by
Sir Oliver Lodge tuppence one hundred and seven. Socialism for
Millionaires by Bernard Shaw, one hundred and thirty nine. Socialism
and the Churches by Reverend John Clifford, d d. One
hundred and thirty three. Socialism and Christianity by Reverend Percy
(08:25):
Dearmer Tuppence seventy eight. Socialism and the Teaching of Christ
by Dr J. Clifford forty two. Christian Socialism by Reverend S. D.
Hedlam seventy nine. A Word of Remembrance and Caution to
the Rich by John Woolman seventy two. The Moral Aspects
(08:45):
of Socialism by Sydney Ball Tuppence sixty nine. Difficulties of
Individualism by Sydney Webb fifty one. Socialism True and False
by Sydney Webb forty five. The Impossibility of Anarchism by G. B.
Shaw Tuppence seven, Capital and Land five Facts for Socialists
(09:08):
Threepence Leaflets thirteen. What Socialism is One? Why are the
Many Poor? Two? Applications of socialism to particular problems Tracts
one hundred and ninety six. The Route of Labour Unrest
(09:29):
by Sydney Webb Tuppence, one hundred and ninety five. The
Scandal of the Poor Law by C. M. Lloyd Tuppence,
one hundred and ninety four. Taxes Rates and Local Income
Tax by Robert Jones, D C. Tuppence one hundred and
eighty eight. National Finance and a Levey on Capital by
Sydney Webb Tuppens one hundred and eighty seven. The Teacher
(09:53):
in Politics by Sydney Webb, tuppence one hundred eighty six.
Central Africa and the League of Nations by R. C.
Hawkin tuppence one hundred eighty three. The Reform of the
House of Lords by Sydney Webb, one hundred eighty one.
When Peace Comes the Way of Industrial Reconstruction by Sydney Webb,
(10:14):
tuppence one hundred seventy eight, The War, Women and Unemployment
tuppence one hundred and seventy seven. Socialism and the Arts
of Use by A. Clutton Brock one hundred and seventy five.
The Economic Foundations of the Women's Movement tuppence one hundred
seventy three. Public versus Private Electricity Supply one hundred seventy
(10:38):
Profit Sharing and co Partnership, A Fraud and Failure one
hundred sixty four. Golden State Banking one hundred and sixty two.
Family Life on a Pound a Week by Missus Reeves
tuppence one hundred and sixty one a Forestation and Unemployment
one hundred and fifty five. The Case against the Referendum
(11:00):
one hundred and fifty four. The Case for School Clinics
one hundred and fifty two. Our Taxes as they are
and as they ought to be Tuppens, one hundred and
forty five, The Case for school Nurseries one hundred forty
Child Labour under Capitalism one hundred thirty six. The Village
(11:20):
and the Landlord by Edward Carpenter one hundred and forty four.
Machinery Its Masters and Servants one hundred and twenty two,
Municipal Milcombe public Health one hundred and twenty five, Municipalization
by Provinces one hundred and twenty four, State control of
Trusts Leaflet one hundred and four How trade unions benefit workmen?
(11:48):
Three Local government Powers, How to Use them Tracts one
hundred eighty nine. Metropolitan Borough Councils Their Constitution, Powers and
Duties by c R Atlee MA Tuppence, one hundred and
ninety one Borough Councils Their Constitution, Powers and Duties by
(12:09):
c R Atlee MA Tuppence, one hundred and ninety three
Housing by C. M Lloyd MA Threepence one hundred and
eighty nine. Urban District Councils by C. M. Lloyd MA
Tuppence sixty two, Parish and District Councils Revised nineteen nineteen
Tuppence one hundred and thirty seven Parish Councils and Village
(12:33):
Life Leaflets one hundred and thirty four Small Holdings sixty eight,
The Tenants Sanitary Catechism seventy one, Ditto for London. Four
General Politics and Fabian Policy Tracts one hundred and fifty eight.
(12:54):
The Case against the Cs by Missus Townsend forty one.
The Fabians Asiety its Early History by Bernard Shaw. Five
bibliographical series in portrait covers Tuppence and Threapns one hundred
and eighty two. Robert Owen Idealist by C. E. M.
(13:15):
Jode one hundred and seventy nine. John Ruskin and Social
Ethics by Professor Edith Morley one hundred and sixty five.
Francis Place by Saint John g Irvin Threepence, one hundred
and sixty six. Robert Owen Social Reformer by Miss B. L.
Hutchins one hundred and sixty seven. William Morris and the
(13:37):
Communist Ideal by Missus Townsend threepence one hundred sixty eight.
John Stewart Mill by Julius West threepence one hundred and
seventy four. Charles Kingsley and the Christian Socialism by c
Eve Vuolieimy end of Carl Marx An essay by Harold J. Lasky,
(14:00):
read by Phil Benson in Sydney, Australia
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