Socialism: Positive and Negative

"Socialism: Positive and Negative" by Robert Rives La Monte is a political and philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century. The author delves into the principles of socialism, particularly examining its materialistic conception of history, the law of surplus-value, and the class struggle. Through this work, La Monte aims to clarify and expand upon socialist ideas, engaging with the intellectual debates of his time while also expressing his personal evolution in thought regarding socialism. The opening of the text sets the tone for a thorough examination of socialism from both a historical and ethical perspective. La Monte begins by critiquing the traditional Great-Man Theory in history and posits that economic factors fundamentally shape societies. He discusses how historical and societal changes emerge from evolving economic conditions, leading to the emergence of revolutionary ideas and movements. This section establishes the groundwork for the detailed exploration of Marxism and ethics that will follow in the subsequent chapters, illustrating La Monte's intent to not only outline the principles of socialism but also address misconceptions around the socialist movement.