This is a very weird question, so no worries if y’all don’t have great answers because I have exactly zero answers myself.

I’ve been thinking recently about how I am a dedicated ML, and do subscribe to materialism. But I also have a spiritual tinge to me, one that was pretty fired up by psychedelic use and the listening to some Buddhist audios along with Duncan Trussell and Alan Watts.

I guess I’m just wondering if there’s any serious contradictions by subscribing to MLMZT while also getting a little deeper into the metaphysical aspect of philosophy? I have always found the Buddhist outlook and the lenses that I look at life through propelled by psychedelic use very useful, interesting, motivating, and just fun.

Like, I can recognize when there’s people just saying extremely vague things and selling a “get enlightened NOW” course for $999.99, so don’t get the idea that I’m like falling into some culty shit. I just enjoy the hope-core, insightful/philosophical takes that don’t seem to fall directly in line with Marxism.

The Egg story (Kurg video on YT ironically enough, the Gates funded channel) being an example, or Duncan Trussells “The Midnight Gospel” (which I haven’t actually watched but just saw the one famous clip of the mother being sucked away into death as she talked about the ego, reincarnation, the universe just being love, etc.)

Interestingly, I actually got involved with Marxism originally partly because of psychedelic use and the shock it sent through my philosophical/world outlook.

Anyways yap over, THIRD PARAGRAPH IS THE MEAT OF THE POST!!! thx in advance <3

  • nephs
    6·
    4 months ago

    There’s a video from Jones Manoel, Brazilian communist, on the topic a few months ago.

    Highly recommend his work, use captions and auto translation!

    https://youtu.be/-9i2S5i3Oi0

    Edit: got a summary from https://summarize.tech/www.youtube.com/watch=-9i2S5i3Oi0:

    In the YouTube video titled “É comunista e não é ateu?”, the speaker explores the relationship between communism and atheism, arguing that communism does not necessitate atheism. The speaker challenges the idea that human behavior is guided by a completely rational and all-powerful reason, instead emphasizing the role of socialization and unconscious influences. The speaker also discusses the evolving role of religion in society, asserting that people’s primary actions are secular and materialistic. The speaker concludes that there is no inherent contradiction between being a materialist and holding religious or spiritual beliefs, and acknowledges the complex relationship between religion and ideology. The speaker encourages viewers to engage in further debate on the topic.

    00:00:00 In this section of the YouTube video titled "É comunista e não é ateu?", the speaker begins by thanking viewers for their support and announcing the completion of a project. He then addresses the common belief that all communists must be atheists, stating that he will engage in a debate on the topic. The speaker argues against the idea that communism necessitates atheism, citing the concept of Illuminism and its belief in the all-powerful reason guiding human actions. He explains that this idea of onipotent reason has been challenged by Marxist debates on ideology, which reveal the existence of social structures that shape human understanding and perception. The speaker also mentions the contributions of Freud's debate on the unconscious and Soviet psychology's focus on the historically specific role of consciousness within social and production relations. Overall, the speaker argues that the idea of a completely rational and all-powerful reason guiding human behavior is a relativized concept, as it must be understood from a class perspective and in relation to social structures and unconscious influences.

00:05:00 In this section of the YouTube video titled "É comunista e não é ateu?", the speaker discusses the limitations of theoretical reasoning in shaping human behavior. They argue that socialization plays a significant role in forming our behaviors and understanding of societal dynamics, such as capitalism. However, even someone deeply immersed in Marxist theory may not be able to fully practice anti-capitalist values in their interpersonal relationships and individual actions. The speaker also addresses the misconception that Marxism necessitates atheism, explaining that it is rooted in a specific understanding of religion as an all-encompassing ontology and cosmology. Instead, Marxism offers a humanized perspective on relationships and power structures, which are not divinely given but rather shaped by human relations.

00:10:00 In this section of the YouTube video titled "É comunista e não é ateu?", the speaker discusses the evolving role of religion in society, specifically in relation to the idea that "God is dead." The speaker argues that while people may attribute certain events or outcomes to God, their primary actions are secular and materialistic. For example, to eat, one needs money, and to get money, one must work or find ways to acquire it. When people are sick, they seek medical help rather than relying on divine intervention. The speaker asserts that God has become a secondary figure in people's lives, and this is socially acceptable. The speaker also mentions that while people may pray for help or success, they still take action themselves, such as studying for a test or looking for a job. The speaker uses the example of Iran as a country with a strong religious identity but also a highly industrialized military, demonstrating the separation of religious and secular spheres.

00:15:00 In this section of the YouTube video titled "É comunista e não é ateu?", the speaker discusses the idea that there is no inherent contradiction between being a materialist and holding religious or spiritual beliefs. Contrary to the belief that religion occupies an all-encompassing ontological role in explaining the workings of the world, the speaker argues that one can be a firm materialist and hold a separate place for spirituality in their life. The speaker also emphasizes that the concept of God as an all-powerful being does not necessarily conflict with a materialist worldview, as people can establish relationships with various deities or spiritual entities without contradicting their materialist beliefs. The speaker concludes that there is no philosophical contradiction between being a consistent materialist and holding religious or spiritual beliefs.

00:20:00 In this section of the YouTube video "É comunista e não é ateu?", the speaker discusses the complex relationship between religion and ideology, specifically in the context of justifying feudalism. He argues that religion, particularly Christianity, played a significant role in legitimizing feudalism as the primary ideological apparatus. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of both passion and reason in political movements, using examples like the Cuban Revolution and the figure of Fidel Castro. He suggests that religion and superstition have a place in political movements, rather than being negated or contradicted by theoretical understanding. The speaker references Nelson Verne's book about the Prestes Column and the belief among the people that the leader had supernatural powers. He concludes by acknowledging the importance of socializing scientific knowledge and complex theoretical understanding, but also recognizing the role of religion in shaping people's beliefs and understanding of the world.

00:25:00 In this section of the YouTube video titled "É comunista e não é ateu?", the speaker discusses the idea that highly politicized and educated people with access to the best cultural productions can still be religious, but may shift the role of religion in their lives. They argue that there is no irreconcilable contradiction between being Marxist and having some form of religion or spirituality. However, they acknowledge that guiding political action and strategy based on theological understandings of the world from an anthological and totalizing perspective can be a contradiction. The speaker emphasizes that this topic is complex and encourages viewers to engage with the debate further. They conclude by reminding viewers to subscribe to their channel, like and share the video.