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Works of Maoism #7
Selected Readings from the Works of Jose Maria Sison
"Prof. Jose Ma. Sison’s writings in this selection are what some young Filipino revolutionaries may refer to as “classics” having served as basic documents and texts in the study courses of all Party members and revolutionary activists for more than fifty years now. Several generations of Filipino revolutionaries have been stirred by these writings.
These continue to serve as basic reference and guide of the Communist Party of the Philippines as it leads the New People’s Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in waging the people’s democratic revolution in the country."
- Marco L. Valbuena, Information Officer, Communist Party of the Philippines
These continue to serve as basic reference and guide of the Communist Party of the Philippines as it leads the New People’s Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in waging the people’s democratic revolution in the country."
- Marco L. Valbuena, Information Officer, Communist Party of the Philippines
- GenresTheory
490 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2021
13 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Jose Maria Sison
69 books77 followersProf. Jose Maria Sison is a Filipino patriot, a proletarian revolutionary and internationalist.
He is a Filipino statesman, known for his experience in and knowledge of the people's democratic government and revolutionary forces in the Philippines. He is sometimes consulted by high officials of foreign governments and by presidents, senators, congressmen and local officials of the Philippine reactionary government concerning peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and related matters.
He is recognized as the leader of the Filipino people's movement for national liberation and democracy in the last 50 years. The celebration of this coincides with that of the 40th anniversaries of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People's Army (NPA).
After the destruction of the armed revolutionary movement in the early 1950s in the Philippines, he was chiefly responsible for the resurgence of the anti-imperialist and anti-feudal mass movement in the Philippines since 1959. He was the founding Chairman of the Central Committee of the CPP, 1968-77. He is one of the world's leading authorities on the theory and practice of Marxism-Leninism and Maoism, on revolutionary movements in Asia and on the international communist movement. He has been a recognized poet since 1962 and awardee of the Southeast Asia WRITE Award for poetry, 1986.
He is a Filipino statesman, known for his experience in and knowledge of the people's democratic government and revolutionary forces in the Philippines. He is sometimes consulted by high officials of foreign governments and by presidents, senators, congressmen and local officials of the Philippine reactionary government concerning peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and related matters.
He is recognized as the leader of the Filipino people's movement for national liberation and democracy in the last 50 years. The celebration of this coincides with that of the 40th anniversaries of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People's Army (NPA).
After the destruction of the armed revolutionary movement in the early 1950s in the Philippines, he was chiefly responsible for the resurgence of the anti-imperialist and anti-feudal mass movement in the Philippines since 1959. He was the founding Chairman of the Central Committee of the CPP, 1968-77. He is one of the world's leading authorities on the theory and practice of Marxism-Leninism and Maoism, on revolutionary movements in Asia and on the international communist movement. He has been a recognized poet since 1962 and awardee of the Southeast Asia WRITE Award for poetry, 1986.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
August 16, 2024
Jose Maria Sison, known affectionately as Ka Joma, is the reason I wanted to learn Marxism. I listened to an interview with him on Guerilla History, from September 17, 2021. I didn't even know who he was or that there was even revolution in the Philippines. Before that time I was on the vague "Left". I was actually afraid of identifying with Marxism because of anticommunist conditioning growing up. But Joma was clear and the things he said made sense to me. That was what led me to reading Basic Principles of Marxism Leninism: A Primer. My political development since then stems from this.
I am not Filipino, I am American. What I have developed is that I begin to understand what it means to be a Proletarian Internationalist, as Joma called himself. Joma's passing in December of 2022 was as Mao once said "heavier than Mount Tai" to me. I had only known of him for over a year but his impact on me was among the highest. Whenever I get angry and feel I am not acting as a revolutionary should, I think to myself, how would Joma act? Would he make rash decisions? Would he engage in adventurist escapades? No. For that he has helped as a guiding light. I started this selected reading in June of 2023 and only got to chapter 2 before I stopped. This year in July I said to myself I would read this in full and honor his memory by really learning about the revolution. And today I'm glad I did.
Selected Readings from the Works of Jose Maria Sison is not a reviewed book from my reckoning. I don't know how many have read it but it's contents are enlightening for me to learn about how the Filipino revolution has developed, what they do for mass work, and the concrete analyses of their conditions. I have to constantly think how we can apply those principles to the conditions in America. Not in a dogmatic way, but doing the proper social investigation and building of a united front. Something truly lacking here for decades. I will give my thoughts on each chapter of the book. I encourage all would be revolutionary communists to study this in addition because this revolution is still ongoing.
Philippine Society and Revolution:
Chapter 1: A Review of Philippine History.
I do not have the historical understanding of the Philippines as much as I would like so this helps in summarizing the course of the country through subsequent colonizations and domination.
Chapter 2: Basic Problems of the Filipino People
This examinations of the major issues in the country is described in great detail. The country is Semi Colonial and Semi Feudal. And in addition what does that mean. Domination by US imperialism and by the landlords, respectively. I appreciate the definitions of what imperialism and feudalism even are because I sometimes don't get clear definitions when I do basic searches. Having this from a committed Proletarian revolutionary is why I read this.
Chapter 3: People's Democratic Revolution
Similarly the analyses of what the classes are of Filipino society and their definitions are extremely handy. In America I think about how class society is broken up and what class do I fall under. Until reading this book I would have said something like Middle Proletarian, but it is more likely that my class is middle Petite Bourgeois. I receive salary and work in a professional field. Class is not necessarily a marker of moral character, but relation to production. I defer to my Proletarian comrades for more worker outlooks. The National Democratic Revolution tasks are laid out as the first stage of the revolutionary movement and the method for liberating themselves.
Rectify Errors and Rebuild the Party:
This essay details all the historical problems in the revolutionary movement and what ideological and leadership errors lead to the defeat of the armed struggle in the 1950s. This is useful to understand the figures who capitulated or engaged in incorrect analysis of the movement. The details of "left" and right opportunism are helpful in knowing what leads so many communist revolutions to defeat.
Program for a People's Democratic Revolution:
A succinct and point by point plan for national objectives to liberation. We should aspire to investigate and create a program that matches our conditions here as well. We aren't in the phase of National Democratic Revolution here in America which is why it would be something else but its general basis is quite good.
Declaration of the New People's Army:
One of the key foundations to revolutionary power is a people's army. Without it, we have nothing. This must be understood that we cannot vye for power without the guns to back it up. That being said, this is no call to adventurism. A support base among the masses is needed to foster this.
Basic Rules of the New People's Army:
This is in my opinion of critical required examination on how any revolutionary party should begin construction of the People's Army. From detailing major tasks, to organization, adapted to local conditions of course. This is also a guide on how a member should behave and develop political consciousness.
Anti Marxism and Eclecticism:
Sison wrote this polemic against a supposed "Communist" who essentially dismisses armed struggle and the principle form of struggle. This was written in 1971 and to this day I still see supposed "communists" write similar diatribes. What's insidious is how these revisionist views come across as sincere critiques but are largely informed by right opportunism. What I think has been proven by history is that armed struggle is how we liberate ourselves from oppression, among other forms of struggle in tandem.
Our Urgent Tasks:
This is the real meat of what work needs to be done for revolution. From the countryside to the cities. The struggle takes different forms and coordination. How I relate that to my conditions is something that requires more study and investigation. We should aspire to take this multi faceted approach to unite all receptive revolutionary forces in a common set of goals.
Two Articles on the People's Struggle for a Just Peace:
Sison lays out the history of the "peace" negotiations that the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) engaged with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) from the mid 80s until the mid 90s. I was especially riveted following this history because of how the real world works. There is not always a heroic sweeping of the enemy in some fantasy. The NDFP with support of the CPP and the NPA among other progressive elements began negotiations on possible end of the armed struggle by having the GRP make changes that were primarily focused on ending US military bases, establishing true sovereignty and ending foreign dominance. In the real world many times you have to find an end to the civil war by making peace with your enemies, if they really want to to sincerely end conflict. But what is fascinating is how the GRP consistently refuses to accept the belligerency status of the NDFP and demands they accept the Constitution and to surrender before making any changes. This is obviously unacceptable so the armed struggle continues. I think the key takeaway here is as Sison writes that without the people's army, they wouldn't even be able to negotiate in the first place. You must have the strength for your enemies to take you seriously. On a side note, this is why Palestine continues to endure. The resistance has armed strength and that's how they could even negotiate.
The Philippine Revolution and Nationality Question:
Sison writes how the Filipino national identity even developed originally. Nations evolve and emerge from when there wasn't one to begin. The modern national identity is one of national liberation for all peoples in the Philippines including national minorities and ethnic groups. At the same time battling the different chauvinism.
In all, this Selected Readings has been enlightening to me for understanding Sison and the Filipino people and revolution better. I owed it to his memory to finish this book and capture my feelings here. Sison may be gone physically, but for me he lives forever. There are a whole series of his books that I want to read, or at least some of them on different topics. And to Sison himself, if he could read this I would say thank you. I regret that I never had the chance to meet him in the Netherlands. But his revolutionary optimism will be with me forever, guiding me.
Ka Joma Lives!
I am not Filipino, I am American. What I have developed is that I begin to understand what it means to be a Proletarian Internationalist, as Joma called himself. Joma's passing in December of 2022 was as Mao once said "heavier than Mount Tai" to me. I had only known of him for over a year but his impact on me was among the highest. Whenever I get angry and feel I am not acting as a revolutionary should, I think to myself, how would Joma act? Would he make rash decisions? Would he engage in adventurist escapades? No. For that he has helped as a guiding light. I started this selected reading in June of 2023 and only got to chapter 2 before I stopped. This year in July I said to myself I would read this in full and honor his memory by really learning about the revolution. And today I'm glad I did.
Selected Readings from the Works of Jose Maria Sison is not a reviewed book from my reckoning. I don't know how many have read it but it's contents are enlightening for me to learn about how the Filipino revolution has developed, what they do for mass work, and the concrete analyses of their conditions. I have to constantly think how we can apply those principles to the conditions in America. Not in a dogmatic way, but doing the proper social investigation and building of a united front. Something truly lacking here for decades. I will give my thoughts on each chapter of the book. I encourage all would be revolutionary communists to study this in addition because this revolution is still ongoing.
Philippine Society and Revolution:
Chapter 1: A Review of Philippine History.
I do not have the historical understanding of the Philippines as much as I would like so this helps in summarizing the course of the country through subsequent colonizations and domination.
Chapter 2: Basic Problems of the Filipino People
This examinations of the major issues in the country is described in great detail. The country is Semi Colonial and Semi Feudal. And in addition what does that mean. Domination by US imperialism and by the landlords, respectively. I appreciate the definitions of what imperialism and feudalism even are because I sometimes don't get clear definitions when I do basic searches. Having this from a committed Proletarian revolutionary is why I read this.
Chapter 3: People's Democratic Revolution
Similarly the analyses of what the classes are of Filipino society and their definitions are extremely handy. In America I think about how class society is broken up and what class do I fall under. Until reading this book I would have said something like Middle Proletarian, but it is more likely that my class is middle Petite Bourgeois. I receive salary and work in a professional field. Class is not necessarily a marker of moral character, but relation to production. I defer to my Proletarian comrades for more worker outlooks. The National Democratic Revolution tasks are laid out as the first stage of the revolutionary movement and the method for liberating themselves.
Rectify Errors and Rebuild the Party:
This essay details all the historical problems in the revolutionary movement and what ideological and leadership errors lead to the defeat of the armed struggle in the 1950s. This is useful to understand the figures who capitulated or engaged in incorrect analysis of the movement. The details of "left" and right opportunism are helpful in knowing what leads so many communist revolutions to defeat.
Program for a People's Democratic Revolution:
A succinct and point by point plan for national objectives to liberation. We should aspire to investigate and create a program that matches our conditions here as well. We aren't in the phase of National Democratic Revolution here in America which is why it would be something else but its general basis is quite good.
Declaration of the New People's Army:
One of the key foundations to revolutionary power is a people's army. Without it, we have nothing. This must be understood that we cannot vye for power without the guns to back it up. That being said, this is no call to adventurism. A support base among the masses is needed to foster this.
Basic Rules of the New People's Army:
This is in my opinion of critical required examination on how any revolutionary party should begin construction of the People's Army. From detailing major tasks, to organization, adapted to local conditions of course. This is also a guide on how a member should behave and develop political consciousness.
Anti Marxism and Eclecticism:
Sison wrote this polemic against a supposed "Communist" who essentially dismisses armed struggle and the principle form of struggle. This was written in 1971 and to this day I still see supposed "communists" write similar diatribes. What's insidious is how these revisionist views come across as sincere critiques but are largely informed by right opportunism. What I think has been proven by history is that armed struggle is how we liberate ourselves from oppression, among other forms of struggle in tandem.
Our Urgent Tasks:
This is the real meat of what work needs to be done for revolution. From the countryside to the cities. The struggle takes different forms and coordination. How I relate that to my conditions is something that requires more study and investigation. We should aspire to take this multi faceted approach to unite all receptive revolutionary forces in a common set of goals.
Two Articles on the People's Struggle for a Just Peace:
Sison lays out the history of the "peace" negotiations that the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) engaged with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) from the mid 80s until the mid 90s. I was especially riveted following this history because of how the real world works. There is not always a heroic sweeping of the enemy in some fantasy. The NDFP with support of the CPP and the NPA among other progressive elements began negotiations on possible end of the armed struggle by having the GRP make changes that were primarily focused on ending US military bases, establishing true sovereignty and ending foreign dominance. In the real world many times you have to find an end to the civil war by making peace with your enemies, if they really want to to sincerely end conflict. But what is fascinating is how the GRP consistently refuses to accept the belligerency status of the NDFP and demands they accept the Constitution and to surrender before making any changes. This is obviously unacceptable so the armed struggle continues. I think the key takeaway here is as Sison writes that without the people's army, they wouldn't even be able to negotiate in the first place. You must have the strength for your enemies to take you seriously. On a side note, this is why Palestine continues to endure. The resistance has armed strength and that's how they could even negotiate.
The Philippine Revolution and Nationality Question:
Sison writes how the Filipino national identity even developed originally. Nations evolve and emerge from when there wasn't one to begin. The modern national identity is one of national liberation for all peoples in the Philippines including national minorities and ethnic groups. At the same time battling the different chauvinism.
In all, this Selected Readings has been enlightening to me for understanding Sison and the Filipino people and revolution better. I owed it to his memory to finish this book and capture my feelings here. Sison may be gone physically, but for me he lives forever. There are a whole series of his books that I want to read, or at least some of them on different topics. And to Sison himself, if he could read this I would say thank you. I regret that I never had the chance to meet him in the Netherlands. But his revolutionary optimism will be with me forever, guiding me.
Ka Joma Lives!
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