I have, in the last week, gotten 3 people (1 liberal, 2 apolitical) to read ‘the principles of communism’ using common social strategies, to great success.
The hook:I have used 3 strategies to get people interested or obliged to read the pamphlet. The best tactic is the natural conversation, do something vaguely related to communism like reading communist literature or for me drawing historical figures like Engels. A person completely uninterested in politics can get trapped in a conversation on the very topic. The other method will admittedly probably lead to less of an impact and success, the dare. Bring up the pamphlet in conversation off handedly, “I was just reading principles of communism, it is a very simple essay that goes over basic communist ideas”, then do something for your mark you are usually unwilling to do and then say “because I did this you gotta read this”. Is it completely possible the mark won’t actually do it? Yes but if they agree you have their word and can use it as leverage later. The other dare tactic is using the fact you read the pamphlet as a flex, “I just read this, it was very interesting, I would send it to you but (in an joking way) I bet you wouldn’t read it”, this can push the mark to read it asap.
Finally the best strategy,
The use of the art of debate. You are trying to convince someone that doesn’t care for politics to read a political essay, this isn’t just a causal thing, you are challenging their way of life, use debate, actual successful debate I.E. agree with them when you can and understand their perspective as much as possible while pointing out contradictions in their logic “I get it, politics really do suck, but you know what a famous communist said “if you don’t effect politics, politics effects you”, this not only convinces the make but makes them think further about their beliefs and reading this pamphlet at such a pivotal point is great.
Other advice I would give:
- principles of communism will of course never give anyone the best understanding of communism but if you are gonna push someone to read a whole book a small essay is a good start and is extremely convenient.
- Many people without an understanding of communism laugh at it as they mostly know memes or the red scare version they were taught, use that, point out what they had wrong about communism and help them learn
- Connect reason communist lite
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