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BAsics from the Talks and Writings of Bob Avakian
BAsics, from the talks and writings of Bob Avakian is a book of quotations and short essays that speaks powerfully to questions of revolution and human emancipation.
BAsics concentrates more than 30 years of Avakian's work. BAsics can not only introduce many more people to the thinking of the author who has put communism back on the agenda as a vital and viable force—it can play a major role in bringing forward and forging a new wave of revolutionaries. To look at the table of contents is to look at the key questions that present themselves to someone agonizing over the question of whether and how they can actually change the world in a fundamental and meaningful way.
BAsics concentrates more than 30 years of Avakian's work. BAsics can not only introduce many more people to the thinking of the author who has put communism back on the agenda as a vital and viable force—it can play a major role in bringing forward and forging a new wave of revolutionaries. To look at the table of contents is to look at the key questions that present themselves to someone agonizing over the question of whether and how they can actually change the world in a fundamental and meaningful way.
- GenresPoliticsNonfiction
216 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2011
5 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Bob Avakian
75 books17 followers"If you don't have a poetic spirit-or at least a poetic side- it is very dangerous for you to lead a Marxist movement or be the leader of a socialist state. "
- Bob Avakian
Bob Avakian (BA) is the architect of a whole new framework of human emancipation, the new synthesis of communism, which is popularly referred to as the "new communism. " The goal of the new communism is a total revolution - the most radical revolution in human history that aims at nothing less than overcoming all forms of oppression and exploitation all over the world, a society where humanity could truly flourish. The new synthesis is based on more than 40 years of revolutionary work that BA has done critically analyzing and drawing from past revolutionary experience and theory, and a broad range of human activity and thought. It is a continuation of, but also represents a qualitative leap beyond, and in some important ways a break with, communist theory as it had been previously developed. It provides the basis--the science, the strategy, and the leadership--for an actual revolution and a radically new society on the road to real emancipation.
Bob Avakian is the Chairman of the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA (RCP), which he has led since its formation in 1975. He emerged as a major political figure throughout the upheavals and rebellions of the period of the '60s: awakening to political life in the period of the emerging discontent and ferment among students in the Free Speech Movement in Berkeley; joining and then becoming a leader of the resistance and protests against the Vietnam War; becoming an early and prominent supporter of the Black Liberation struggle where he was closely associated with the Black Panther Party; then playing a critical leading role in the political and ideological struggles of the New Left Movement of the 1960s, which ultimately led to the founding of the RCP. In the decades since the 1960s BA has given decisive leadership to the theoretical as well as strategic and practical dimensions of the revolution, both in the U.S. and internationally.
BA’s extensive body of work includes more than a hundred articles, books, films and audio recordings. His collected works are available through The Bob Avakian Institute, http://thebobavakianinstitute.org.
The above is excerpted from “Bob Avakian (BA)–Official Biography,” a publication of The Bob Avakian Institute.
- Bob Avakian
Bob Avakian (BA) is the architect of a whole new framework of human emancipation, the new synthesis of communism, which is popularly referred to as the "new communism. " The goal of the new communism is a total revolution - the most radical revolution in human history that aims at nothing less than overcoming all forms of oppression and exploitation all over the world, a society where humanity could truly flourish. The new synthesis is based on more than 40 years of revolutionary work that BA has done critically analyzing and drawing from past revolutionary experience and theory, and a broad range of human activity and thought. It is a continuation of, but also represents a qualitative leap beyond, and in some important ways a break with, communist theory as it had been previously developed. It provides the basis--the science, the strategy, and the leadership--for an actual revolution and a radically new society on the road to real emancipation.
Bob Avakian is the Chairman of the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA (RCP), which he has led since its formation in 1975. He emerged as a major political figure throughout the upheavals and rebellions of the period of the '60s: awakening to political life in the period of the emerging discontent and ferment among students in the Free Speech Movement in Berkeley; joining and then becoming a leader of the resistance and protests against the Vietnam War; becoming an early and prominent supporter of the Black Liberation struggle where he was closely associated with the Black Panther Party; then playing a critical leading role in the political and ideological struggles of the New Left Movement of the 1960s, which ultimately led to the founding of the RCP. In the decades since the 1960s BA has given decisive leadership to the theoretical as well as strategic and practical dimensions of the revolution, both in the U.S. and internationally.
BA’s extensive body of work includes more than a hundred articles, books, films and audio recordings. His collected works are available through The Bob Avakian Institute, http://thebobavakianinstitute.org.
The above is excerpted from “Bob Avakian (BA)–Official Biography,” a publication of The Bob Avakian Institute.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 18, 2013
The story of my stumbling upon this book is worth mentioning, as I find it pretty funny in hindsight. I was walking around at a street fair in Atlanta with some friends when a young woman stopped and asked me if I was ready for the revolution. Long story short, I bought this interesting looking book and put my name on a mailing list that I probably shouldn’t have. I didn’t realize Bob Avakian was the chairman of the Revolutionary Communist Party.
The Party itself also deserves some exposition. For all their good and interesting ideas, Bob Avakian represents someone who holds a cultish hold over party members and lives off their donations in France “feeling death threats.” Bob’s narcissism and arrogance runs through the text, tainting it. The book opens with a full-page artist rendering of his face. Is that really necessary?
The book’s actually content varies wildly from interesting assessments of our reality, innovative analysis of issues in thought, and self-important back-patting from Avakian to… none other than himself. He even refers to himself in the third person at times which should be a red flag to any leader. Still, decent ideas persist through the text. The chapters “A Worldwide System of Exploitation and Oppression,” “A Whole New-And Far Better-World,” and “Understanding the World,” are fantastic reads with important philosophical analysis on epistemology and ontology. They are informative in regards to the intersection of communist ideals and reality, science, philosophy, and art. However, the chapters which address practical issues with communism are almost entirely devoid of content. The book’s entire premise is showing the practical application and process to the actualization of a communist nation and world. However, at no time are those ideas revealed in any even remotely concrete way. It’s almost absurd that Avakian continuously asserts that communism is a real possibility when that is in no way reflected by the text. I guess that’s what narcissism does to the mind.
The book certainly isn’t what it sets out to be, but there is a great deal to gain from reading it. Avakian is an intelligent man and a fantastic writer, but he is not the beacon of hope and civilization that he believes himself to be. Another non-content related criticism is that the text itself is a transparent advertisement for additional RCP literature. The constant references to other RCP works and where to buy them is a frustrating distraction from the book’s content. After closing the book, I’m no more sold on communism and its viability than I was when I opened it.
The Party itself also deserves some exposition. For all their good and interesting ideas, Bob Avakian represents someone who holds a cultish hold over party members and lives off their donations in France “feeling death threats.” Bob’s narcissism and arrogance runs through the text, tainting it. The book opens with a full-page artist rendering of his face. Is that really necessary?
The book’s actually content varies wildly from interesting assessments of our reality, innovative analysis of issues in thought, and self-important back-patting from Avakian to… none other than himself. He even refers to himself in the third person at times which should be a red flag to any leader. Still, decent ideas persist through the text. The chapters “A Worldwide System of Exploitation and Oppression,” “A Whole New-And Far Better-World,” and “Understanding the World,” are fantastic reads with important philosophical analysis on epistemology and ontology. They are informative in regards to the intersection of communist ideals and reality, science, philosophy, and art. However, the chapters which address practical issues with communism are almost entirely devoid of content. The book’s entire premise is showing the practical application and process to the actualization of a communist nation and world. However, at no time are those ideas revealed in any even remotely concrete way. It’s almost absurd that Avakian continuously asserts that communism is a real possibility when that is in no way reflected by the text. I guess that’s what narcissism does to the mind.
The book certainly isn’t what it sets out to be, but there is a great deal to gain from reading it. Avakian is an intelligent man and a fantastic writer, but he is not the beacon of hope and civilization that he believes himself to be. Another non-content related criticism is that the text itself is a transparent advertisement for additional RCP literature. The constant references to other RCP works and where to buy them is a frustrating distraction from the book’s content. After closing the book, I’m no more sold on communism and its viability than I was when I opened it.
February 16, 2018
Some interesting background: A big event up in Harlem NYC celebrating the release of this book included jazz great David Murray, Elaine Brower, Aladdin, reg. e. gaines, Matthew Shipp, and others. There was also art displayed from folks such as Emory Douglas, who later issued a statement to Revolution newspaper: "A salute to Revolutionary Bob Avakian on his book BAsics. I recall meeting Bob Avakian in the early, early days of the Black Panther Party for Self Defense while working on the BPP newspaper with Eldridge Cleaver, ... I observed the conversations to be very intense at times, Eldridge always prodding and pushing Avakian to his limits with his responses. I'm sure those conversations did help mold the student Bob Avakian into the Revolutionary leader and critical thinker he is. Bob Avakian thereafter would begin to talk at many BPP rallies on the issues of Liberation and Revolution which he unwaveringly continues to express in BAsics. Bob Avakian continues to Educate to Liberate. Emory Douglas, Revolutionary Artist, former Minister of Culture, Black Panther Party"
BAsics is a collection of excerpts from the speeches and writings of Bob Avakian, Chairman of the Revolutionary Communist Party USA, and spans a period of work of more than 30 years. The book is arranged to first explain the damage a system called capitalism has done and is doing to the world. It then makes the case that these things are not an inevitable product of human nature, that we are capable of creating a very different world, and talks about what that new world might look like. Finally, it lays out how to actually bring about that world, making it clear that this can only happen thru revolution, with one class seizing power from another. The immediate focus is on revolution in the U.S., but the overall context is international. Also, revolution in the U.S. must include its own various nationalities. The approach is Marxist-Leninist, with an eye to the achievements as well as lessons of the past. The achievements include the fact that yes, it is possible for the people to seize power, and that this can result in very significant gains in their well being. Lessons include important issues concerning science, art, morality, and dissent. Mr. Avakian does not come across as a utopian, but rather emphasizes that people will always need to struggle, question, and evolve. The writing is clear and accessible, with useful analogies, and I feel like the guy is talking to me directly. There are many short passages, with longer supplementary passages providing in-depth analysis.
Since it is a book of quotes and excerpts, I'll give several of the shorter ones here, with my reactions.
The first entry in Chapter One: "There would be no United States as we know it today without slavery." Seems simplistic, but made me think. The good ole USA, land of the free and home of the brave. We got the jump on the other capitalist countries early on due to the huge economic gains from dominating the vital world cotton trade thru the use of slavery, which other nations had outlawed. The book goes on to elaborate elsewhere, and also talks to how killing Indians and stealing half of Mexico, all of Hawaii, etc. also contributed to the current economic position of the USA.
This one really brought to mind the Middle East situation and the constant propaganda we are fed to justify the invasions and murders to conquer their oil: "The essence of what exists in the U.S. is not democracy but capitalism - imperialism. What the U.S. spreads around the world is not democracy, but imperialism and political structures to enforce that imperialism."
Here's a good one to think about as the world climate system fails: "This system and those who rule over it are not capable of carrying out economic development to meet the needs of the people now, while balancing that with the needs of future generations and requirements of safeguarding the environment. They care nothing for the rich diversity of the earth and its species, for the treasures this contains, except when and where they can turn this into profit for themselves... These people are not fit to be the caretakers of the earth." Makes more sense to me than the usual garbage about carbon credits.
So, how do we get to this new and better world? Meditation? Micro loans? Re-elect Obama? Nope. "Let's get down to basics: We need a revolution. Anything else, in the final analysis, is bullshit." OK, what kind of revolution? Radically new hair styles? The next step beyond all-wheel drive? No again. "The first great step...in the road to communism is seizing power from the capitalists. Without that none of this is possible. But seizing power from them opens the way to making the advance to communism. Socialism is the new society established after the seizure of power. Socialism is three things: a new economic system, a new political system and a transition to the final goal of communism." As one part of this the need for leadership and a vanguard party is discussed: "But you're also never going to make revolution in this country without a vanguard that bases itself on a scientific approach to these questions, and to every other decisive question; a vanguard in which everybody contributes and struggles with each other on the basis of striving to grasp that scientific approach." For the role of individuals, he uses a basketball analogy about a team backing its stars, the Carmelo Anthony types, who want the ball when the game is on the line. "These are the ones who not only soar to great heights themselves but in so doing raise the level of their team as a whole,... Why shouldn't the advanced forces of proletarian revolution, those who have the most profound interest in this revolution and the most profound desire for revolution, why shouldn't they be capable of this kind of greatness?"
That's a small sample. The overall organization, range, and content is comprehensive and useful. I've read many talented political thinkers and writers published in various anthologies, but to me this book excels as far as pulling it all together on where humanity stands now, and what the path forward is if we are to survive. Basically, it's a handbook for revolution. I recommend you check it out, it is essential.
BAsics is a collection of excerpts from the speeches and writings of Bob Avakian, Chairman of the Revolutionary Communist Party USA, and spans a period of work of more than 30 years. The book is arranged to first explain the damage a system called capitalism has done and is doing to the world. It then makes the case that these things are not an inevitable product of human nature, that we are capable of creating a very different world, and talks about what that new world might look like. Finally, it lays out how to actually bring about that world, making it clear that this can only happen thru revolution, with one class seizing power from another. The immediate focus is on revolution in the U.S., but the overall context is international. Also, revolution in the U.S. must include its own various nationalities. The approach is Marxist-Leninist, with an eye to the achievements as well as lessons of the past. The achievements include the fact that yes, it is possible for the people to seize power, and that this can result in very significant gains in their well being. Lessons include important issues concerning science, art, morality, and dissent. Mr. Avakian does not come across as a utopian, but rather emphasizes that people will always need to struggle, question, and evolve. The writing is clear and accessible, with useful analogies, and I feel like the guy is talking to me directly. There are many short passages, with longer supplementary passages providing in-depth analysis.
Since it is a book of quotes and excerpts, I'll give several of the shorter ones here, with my reactions.
The first entry in Chapter One: "There would be no United States as we know it today without slavery." Seems simplistic, but made me think. The good ole USA, land of the free and home of the brave. We got the jump on the other capitalist countries early on due to the huge economic gains from dominating the vital world cotton trade thru the use of slavery, which other nations had outlawed. The book goes on to elaborate elsewhere, and also talks to how killing Indians and stealing half of Mexico, all of Hawaii, etc. also contributed to the current economic position of the USA.
This one really brought to mind the Middle East situation and the constant propaganda we are fed to justify the invasions and murders to conquer their oil: "The essence of what exists in the U.S. is not democracy but capitalism - imperialism. What the U.S. spreads around the world is not democracy, but imperialism and political structures to enforce that imperialism."
Here's a good one to think about as the world climate system fails: "This system and those who rule over it are not capable of carrying out economic development to meet the needs of the people now, while balancing that with the needs of future generations and requirements of safeguarding the environment. They care nothing for the rich diversity of the earth and its species, for the treasures this contains, except when and where they can turn this into profit for themselves... These people are not fit to be the caretakers of the earth." Makes more sense to me than the usual garbage about carbon credits.
So, how do we get to this new and better world? Meditation? Micro loans? Re-elect Obama? Nope. "Let's get down to basics: We need a revolution. Anything else, in the final analysis, is bullshit." OK, what kind of revolution? Radically new hair styles? The next step beyond all-wheel drive? No again. "The first great step...in the road to communism is seizing power from the capitalists. Without that none of this is possible. But seizing power from them opens the way to making the advance to communism. Socialism is the new society established after the seizure of power. Socialism is three things: a new economic system, a new political system and a transition to the final goal of communism." As one part of this the need for leadership and a vanguard party is discussed: "But you're also never going to make revolution in this country without a vanguard that bases itself on a scientific approach to these questions, and to every other decisive question; a vanguard in which everybody contributes and struggles with each other on the basis of striving to grasp that scientific approach." For the role of individuals, he uses a basketball analogy about a team backing its stars, the Carmelo Anthony types, who want the ball when the game is on the line. "These are the ones who not only soar to great heights themselves but in so doing raise the level of their team as a whole,... Why shouldn't the advanced forces of proletarian revolution, those who have the most profound interest in this revolution and the most profound desire for revolution, why shouldn't they be capable of this kind of greatness?"
That's a small sample. The overall organization, range, and content is comprehensive and useful. I've read many talented political thinkers and writers published in various anthologies, but to me this book excels as far as pulling it all together on where humanity stands now, and what the path forward is if we are to survive. Basically, it's a handbook for revolution. I recommend you check it out, it is essential.
October 2, 2012
Bob Avakian’s BAsics is refreshing in that its author is unafraid to make controversial claims and to do so in a manner which is direct and does not hold back. Avakian is unapologetic in his critiques of capitalism, American foreign policy, religion and the degrading anti-women culture of western society, all which have their adamant defenders, with religion in particular being a topic one does not speak negatively of in ‘polite’ conversation.
The book BAsics is structured in the way that resembles Mao’s Little Red Book, with each chapter being a set of quotations on a certain topic. These quotations are taken from Avakian’s various talks and writings. I would recommend these talks and writings (in particular the ‘Revolution Talk’) to those who enjoyed BAsics. This structure makes it possible for reader to select chapters they’re interested in or to read the whole thing if they so choose.
The quotes range from being short and to the point (a sentence or so in length) to consisting of entire paragraphs. Some of Avakian’s sentences are a little complex, as the author tries to squeeze numerous important ideological points into a single statement, but can be understood with careful reading. His vocabulary can easily be understood by the average reader, containing limited amounts of Marxist jargon.
Avakian is unashamed of his communist convictions, promoting revolution as the way to solve America’s ills as well as those of the world as a whole. Whether one agrees with him or not, it cannot be denied that Avakian is a fascinating figure and a passionate writer. BAsics is an inspiring (to those who agree with it) and frightening (to those opposed to it) collection of this revolutionary’s thoughts.
The book BAsics is structured in the way that resembles Mao’s Little Red Book, with each chapter being a set of quotations on a certain topic. These quotations are taken from Avakian’s various talks and writings. I would recommend these talks and writings (in particular the ‘Revolution Talk’) to those who enjoyed BAsics. This structure makes it possible for reader to select chapters they’re interested in or to read the whole thing if they so choose.
The quotes range from being short and to the point (a sentence or so in length) to consisting of entire paragraphs. Some of Avakian’s sentences are a little complex, as the author tries to squeeze numerous important ideological points into a single statement, but can be understood with careful reading. His vocabulary can easily be understood by the average reader, containing limited amounts of Marxist jargon.
Avakian is unashamed of his communist convictions, promoting revolution as the way to solve America’s ills as well as those of the world as a whole. Whether one agrees with him or not, it cannot be denied that Avakian is a fascinating figure and a passionate writer. BAsics is an inspiring (to those who agree with it) and frightening (to those opposed to it) collection of this revolutionary’s thoughts.
March 15, 2017
Exceptional Book for one who find themselves in this 21st century....
Year 2017...Purchased in the Spring of 2016. Haitian Woman in the quest to understanding the garbage that her country has become? Prostitution, Drugs, Propaganda and so forth....
I LOVE this book! To me it answers many questions. Its a great insight into the world of today and into socialism as a whole. Its my very first book of Avakian and it opened my curiosity into wanting to read more of his work. "Basics" was recommended to me by a Librarian as I walked the streets of Harvard Square in Cambridge MA. After a lengthy conversation about the current state of the world, and of course me in the quest of understanding my being in it? The guy directed me to a then underground Library where he recommended that I purchased two of Avakian books to help me better understand what could be necessary for the moment. Soon after my purchases, I went back to speak and learn more from these guys but the Library was shot down....
I definitely recommend "Basics" to any individual who is not OK with the current state of the world. I recommend it specially to young people...I find that we no longer bread men and women of this ancient caliber...People are too weak these days? Basics is a great shook if you are asking the right questions?
I made several notes from this book and also will continue to purchase more work from him.
A definite MUST READ! *****
Year 2017...Purchased in the Spring of 2016. Haitian Woman in the quest to understanding the garbage that her country has become? Prostitution, Drugs, Propaganda and so forth....
I LOVE this book! To me it answers many questions. Its a great insight into the world of today and into socialism as a whole. Its my very first book of Avakian and it opened my curiosity into wanting to read more of his work. "Basics" was recommended to me by a Librarian as I walked the streets of Harvard Square in Cambridge MA. After a lengthy conversation about the current state of the world, and of course me in the quest of understanding my being in it? The guy directed me to a then underground Library where he recommended that I purchased two of Avakian books to help me better understand what could be necessary for the moment. Soon after my purchases, I went back to speak and learn more from these guys but the Library was shot down....
I definitely recommend "Basics" to any individual who is not OK with the current state of the world. I recommend it specially to young people...I find that we no longer bread men and women of this ancient caliber...People are too weak these days? Basics is a great shook if you are asking the right questions?
I made several notes from this book and also will continue to purchase more work from him.
A definite MUST READ! *****
July 3, 2022
Illustrates all the strengths and weaknesses of Communism. A short overview of the beliefs of a major political figure.
March 6, 2016
I enjoy visiting Revolution Books in Berkeley and browsing what they feature, getting used books on the cheap, and picking up a copy of the paper. I was pleased with the first book I read by Avakian, Away with All Gods! . I have his bio around here somewhere that I intend to read later. I mostly like that he's got a incipient cult of personality going on; if the popular culture fixates on the names, faces, and clothing of arguably useless televised people, why shouldn't we plaster the faces of communists actually contributing to the literature all about the place? So the old fashioned propaganda style photo with the title pages makes me smile.
So I didn't expect to have such a huge problem with this book; but I did expect it to be a book, not a majority of out of context quotes and lines from Avakian's other books and publications. The larger pieces within, such as responses to a particular criticism or short essays treating specific topics, were much more enjoyable and useful. The rest of the book...meh. The book is divided up into sections and each quote loosely ties into that theme. But when we got to "Understanding the World" a ton of the quotes come from Away with All Gods! , which I have handy on shelf, which I have read, which I can reread at any point I'd like and I don't require a separate book to sum up salient points from that work for me. And it could have worked it there were less quotes and more commentary. If creating a work that sums up the history of your revolutionary writings, maybe you should include context, commentary, and some indication of significance, such as why is this part, this quote above all other words, still so desperately relevant today? What makes these words fundamental "basics"? Nothing like that here.
And my second major sticking point: who is this book for? It's not a friendly format, it's not overly informative, and it's not generally persuasive.
So I didn't expect to have such a huge problem with this book; but I did expect it to be a book, not a majority of out of context quotes and lines from Avakian's other books and publications. The larger pieces within, such as responses to a particular criticism or short essays treating specific topics, were much more enjoyable and useful. The rest of the book...meh. The book is divided up into sections and each quote loosely ties into that theme. But when we got to "Understanding the World" a ton of the quotes come from Away with All Gods! , which I have handy on shelf, which I have read, which I can reread at any point I'd like and I don't require a separate book to sum up salient points from that work for me. And it could have worked it there were less quotes and more commentary. If creating a work that sums up the history of your revolutionary writings, maybe you should include context, commentary, and some indication of significance, such as why is this part, this quote above all other words, still so desperately relevant today? What makes these words fundamental "basics"? Nothing like that here.
And my second major sticking point: who is this book for? It's not a friendly format, it's not overly informative, and it's not generally persuasive.
January 26, 2015
This dude crazy as hell hahahaha. Y'all got issues comrades.
November 26, 2017
There is some really good stuff in here. I was hoping for an introduction to modern communist thought, though, and while you can tease out that information, the book is not setup to deliver it. This is a compilation of snippets of Avakian's talks over the years somewhat organized into a narrative. If you are new to the subject (like I was), try Engel's 1847 work The Principles of Communism, available at https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx.... BAsics is probably more useful as an introduction to Bob Avakian.
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