What Does Marxist-Leninism Principles Support and Oppose?

After reading 32 beginner writings, I've compiled a comprehensive list of supported and implied principles of communism from the ML theory beginner's study guide. You can find a 26-video audio book playlist on Socialism for All's YouTube page.

Let me start by saying that this blog is written by a neurodivergent with neurodivergent thinking, so my perspective may or may not differ from the standard understanding of Marxist-Leninist theory. And communism is more than being a good person and people have different interpretations of what being a good person means.

And before diving into the list, I want to acknowledge that everyone processes information differently. What one person takes away from the material might not be the same as the next person. This is especially important when exploring complex topics like communism and Marxist-Leninist theory. Cognitive abilities must be respected, and an understanding of various comprehension abilities must be had. Which is why there's got to be a few dozen variations to branch from the ML ideological tree.

Supported Principles:

• Abolition of Private Property

• Centralization of Control

• Elimination or Regulation of Classifications and Categorizations of humanity, especially Social Classes

• Abolishment of Religion

• Mandatory and Obligatory Social Responsibility

• Critique of Capitalism

• Revolutionary Action

• Dictatorship of the Proletariat

• From Each According to Ability, to Each According to Need

• Humanism, Humanitarianism and Altruism

• Abolition of Exploitative Practices

• Secularism

• Rationalism

• Philosophy as a Guide to Action

• Collective Ownership of Means of Production

• Abolition of the State

• Proletarian Democracy

• Materialism

• Internationalism and the Unification of Humanity

• Conscious Leadership and Education

• Communaliam, Unity and Solidarity

• A Continuous Class Struggle

• Empowerment of the Proletariat

• Resistance to Disintegration

Opposed Principles:

• Individualism for Self-Interest

• Opportunism

• Social Darwinism

• Egoism

• Irrationalism

• Bourgeois Ideology

• Nationalism

• Religious Ideologies

• Reformism

• Bureaucracy

• Ultra-Imperialism

• Liberal Opportunism

• Passive Democratic Reform

• Faux Marxism

• Fragmentation, Isolation and Segregation

• Stagnation and Stasis

• Superficial Reforms without Revolution

• Chauvinism and Supremacism

• Harmful Cultures and Ideologies 

These principles collectively define the core tenets of communism as presented in the study guide, contrasting sharply with capitalist and reformist ideologies, emphasizing the need for revolutionary change, class struggle, and the evolution towards a classless society.

While the study guide provides the principles listed, the principles expand further into favoring aspects of humanism, humanitarianism, egalitarianism, scientism, rationalism, intellectualism, proportionalism, philosophy, secularism, athiesm, morality using aspects of deontology, and duty using aspects of Kantianism, aiming to create a society that values human dignity, reason, and freedom while fostering community and social responsibility. Conversely, it opposes aspects of egoism, social Darwinism, irrationalism, opportunism, solipsism, autarchism, selfish volunteerism, and sacralism, preventing a society that prioritizes self-interest over collective well-being, thus avoiding exploitation and manipulation while emphasizing empathy, reason, and shared humanity.

The intent behind these principles is to address systemic issues rather than to erase cultural or personal identity but irreconcilable differences over principle that exist between various ideologies on the left and communism was bound to happen. Which makes perfect sense why communist and socialist nations require ideological purity, it's the only way to ensure peace and transition to the society they are trying to evolve into.