"It has been the acknowledged right of every Marxist scholar to read into Marx the particular meaning that he himself prefers and to treat all others with indignation"
- John Kenneth Galbraith
About this Quote
John Kenneth Galbraith's quote suggests that Marxist scholars deserve to translate Marx's works in whatever way they choose. This indicates that there is no single, definitive analysis of Marx's works, and that each scholar is totally free to analyze them in their own method. Galbraith likewise suggests that those who disagree with a specific analysis should be treated with regard, rather than with indignation. This recommends that Marxist scholars ought to be open to different interpretations and need to not be dismissive of other analyses. Ultimately, Galbraith's quote motivates Marxist scholars to be unbiased and to respect the analyses of others, even if they disagree with them.
About the Author