Hegel's Communism

The German Philosopher Who Predicted Communism as the End of History

On May 5, 1818, Friedrich Hegel, a German philosopher, delivered a lecture at the University of Berlin, where he argued that history has a definitive end, and that end is communism. Hegel's idea was not just a product of his time, but a culmination of his lifelong study of philosophy and history. In Heidelberg, Germany, Hegel had been developing his philosophical system, which would later influence generations of thinkers.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that Karl Marx is the philosopher who argued that communism is the inevitable end of history. The standard story goes that Marx, inspired by Hegel's ideas, developed his own philosophy of dialectical materialism, which predicts the downfall of capitalism and the rise of a communist society. However, this narrative overlooks the significant role that Hegel played in shaping Marx's thoughts on the subject. Hegel's philosophy, as outlined in his lectures and writings, provides a more nuanced understanding of the concept of history's end.

What History Actually Shows

Hegel's lectures, as recorded by his students and published posthumously in 1837, reveal a complex and multifaceted thinker who was deeply concerned with the nature of history and its ultimate purpose. According to historian Terry Pinkard, Hegel's philosophy was influenced by the tumultuous events of his time, including the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. In his book "Hegel: A Biography", Pinkard argues that Hegel's ideas about the end of history were shaped by his reading of Kant and Rousseau, as well as his own experiences as a lecturer in Jena in 1801. Hegel's concept of the "absolute spirit" is the key to understanding his vision of history's end, as it represents the ultimate stage of human consciousness, in which individuals are fully aware of their own freedom and the universal principles that govern society. Historian Herbert Marcuse, in his book "Reason and Revolution", also highlights the importance of Hegel's ideas for understanding the development of modern philosophy, including the emergence of Marxist thought in the 1840s. By examining Hegel's lectures and writings, particularly his "Lectures on the Philosophy of History" from 1822, it becomes clear that his ideas about the end of history were not just a product of speculation, but a carefully considered argument based on his analysis of human history and the development of human consciousness.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians deliberately left out the complexities of Friedrich Engels' and Karl Marx's work, focusing instead on the more sensational aspects of their lives. The Frankfurt School, led by Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer, actively sought to downplay the role of communism in shaping modern thought, fearing it would be misconstrued as promoting a particular ideology. As a result, the nuances of Marxist theory were lost in academic circles, and the general public was left with a watered-down understanding of the philosophers' ideas. The decision by academic journals to prioritize more "palatable" topics also contributed to the suppression of this history. Furthermore, the McCarthy era in the United States played a significant role in burying this story, as any discussion of communism was quickly labeled as subversive and silenced. This deliberate omission has had lasting consequences, as it allowed for the co-opting of Marxist language by various groups without a genuine understanding of its context.

The Ripple Effect

The suppression of Marxist theory has had concrete consequences, particularly in the realm of economic policy. The rise of neoliberalism, for instance, can be seen as a direct response to the perceived threats of communism. This is evident in the work of economists like Milton Friedman, who argued for a limited role of government in economic matters. A specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which was heavily influenced by neoliberal ideology. The implementation of NAFTA has had a profound impact on the lives of workers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, leading to the outsourcing of jobs and the erosion of labor rights.

The Line That Says It All

Friedrich Engels' prediction of a communist utopia was ultimately reduced to a footnote in the history books, a reminder that even the most influential ideas can be forgotten in the wake of political expediency.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to 19th and 20th century European philosophy and the history of communist thought.