Talk with Friedrich Engels

Friedrich Engels met Karl Marx in September 1844 in Paris. The groundwork for their meeting was partly laid by Engels’ article "Outline of a Critique of Political Economy" (written in 1843 and published in early 1844), which Marx read and admired for its insightful critique of economic theories. This work prompted Marx to take an interest in Engels' writings.

When Engels visited Paris, he met Marx face-to-face for the first time, and they discovered a remarkable intellectual and personal chemistry. This initial meeting led to a lifelong collaboration and friendship. They found that they shared views on capitalism and socialism, and both were deeply critical of the prevailing socio-economic systems. Their partnership became one of the most influential collaborations in the history of social science and political theory, resulting in pivotal works such as "The Communist Manifesto" and laying the groundwork for later developments in socialist theory and practice.

Friedrich Engels made significant contributions to military theory, primarily through his analysis of the role of forces and technologies in warfare, and his understanding of the impact of socio-economic structures on military strategy and outcomes.

1. The Role of Technology and Economic Production in Warfare: Engels argued that technological advancement and the mode of economic production play crucial roles in determining the nature and outcome of military conflicts. He believed that the ability to produce and sustain economic resources was as important, if not more so, than mere numbers of troops or weaponry. This view anticipated some modern analyses of military industrial power and complex economics of warfare.

2. Historical Analysis of Warfare: Engels wrote extensively on historical military conflicts. In his works, he often analyzed wars within the context of historical materialism, suggesting that economic motives and class struggles were often key drivers behind wars. This perspective was particularly evident in his analysis of the role of the working class and peasantry in historical battles.

3. Guerrilla Warfare: Although not the originator of the concept of guerrilla warfare, Engels studied and commented on it, particularly with reference to the Napoleonic Wars and the Spanish resistance. His analysis included a focus on how small, mobile, and flexible military units could leverage terrain and tactical advantages against larger, conventionally organized armies.

4. The Impact of Modern Industry and Warfare: Engels also foresaw how the industrial revolution would impact warfare. He predicted the importance of railroads, telegraphs, and other communications and logistical technologies that could dramatically alter the pace and strategy of war. His exploration of these factors highlighted the increasing scale and devastation of modern warfare, presaging the total wars of the 20th century.

Through these theories and analyses, Engels contributed to the understanding of military science from a socio-economic perspective, reflecting his broader Marxist beliefs about the impact of material conditions on societal phenomena, including war. His works remain relevant in understanding the interplay between economic structures, technological progress, and military capability.

Yes, Friedrich Engels wrote several important works on his own, apart from his collaborations with Karl Marx. Some of his notable solo works include:

1. "The Condition of the Working Class in England" (1845) - This book is perhaps Engels' most famous solo work, where he provides a detailed study and a firsthand account of the industrial working class in England during the early stages of the industrial revolution. The book is based on his observations and analyses during his stay in Manchester, where he was managing his father's textile factory.

2. "Anti-Dühring" (1878) - Officially titled "Herr Eugen Dühring's Revolution in Science," this book is a critique of the philosophical positions of Eugen Dühring, a contemporary German philosopher. It is in this work that Engels articulates many ideas related to scientific socialism, dialectics, and political economy, which would later form the foundation of what is known as Marxist theory.

3. "The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State" (1884) - In this work, Engels builds on the notes of Karl Marx and Charles Darwin’s findings, discussing the historical development of family structures, property, and state institutions in relation to class structures and social evolution.

4. "Socialism: Utopian and Scientific" (1880) - Originally a part of "Anti-Dühring," it was later published as a separate work. In it, Engels discusses the development of socialist ideas from a utopian to a materialist (scientific) viewpoint and argues for the inevitability of the transition to socialism based on historical materialism.

These works greatly contributed to socialist theory and Marxist philosophy, highlighting Engels' significant role as a theorist and thinker in his own right.

Friedrich Engels, apart from his significant contributions to political theory and philosophy, had a variety of personal interests and hobbies. One of Engels's noted hobbies was fox hunting, which he participated in during his time in England. This might seem somewhat paradoxical given his Marxist beliefs and criticism of bourgeois lifestyles, yet Engels found fox hunting exhilarating and a way to immerse himself in English culture.

Engels was also known for his interest in military science and history. He wrote extensively on military topics, including analyses of military campaigns and developments in military technology. His knowledge in this area was so extensive that he corresponded with military leaders and was respected as an expert on the subject.

Additionally, Engels had a passion for literature. He was well-read in both classical literature and the works of his contemporaries. He particularly enjoyed the works of poets and playwrights such as Shakespeare, Goethe, and Schiller. Engels was also known to enjoy social gatherings and was an enthusiastic participant in cultural discussions among his intellectual circle.

These interests not only show a more personal side of Engels but also reflect how he engaged with the world around him, drawing from diverse experiences and knowledge bases to inform his theoretical work.

Discover and learn about people that are similar to Friedrich Engels.