KARL MARX (1818 - 1883)

Karl Marx, the main pioneer of the idea of "scientific socialism" was born in 1818 in the city of Trier, Germany, his father and lawyer at the age of seventeen Karl entered the University of Bonn, also studied law. Later he moved to the University of Berlin and later received a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Jena.
Whether it was more interested, Marx plunged into the world of journalism and became editor of the Rheinische Zeitung briefly in Cologne. However, radical political views dragged into all manner of hardship and forced him to move to Paris. That's where he first met with Friedrich Engels. Bonds of friendship and equality binding political views of these two men as a single bi until his death.
Marx could no longer stay in Paris and immediately kicked out of there and be carrying a suitcase to move to Brussels. In this city, in 1847 he first published his thoughts are important and large The poverty of philosophy (philosophy Poverty). The following year joined hands together with Friedrich Engels published the Communist Manifesto, a book that eventually became the reading world. In the same year Marx returned to Cologne and then expelled again from there only every few months. There exile after exile here, Marx finally crossing the Strait Canal and settled in London until the end.
Although there is only a little money in the pocket thanks to the work of journalism, Marx spent a large amount of his time in London to investigate and write books about politics and economics. (In the years that Marx and relatives can help the living expenses of his best friend Friedrich Engels). The first volume of Das Kapital, Marx's most important scientific papers published in 1867. When Marx died in 1883, two volumes of the connection has not been fully completed. Both volumes of the connection was compiled and published oieh Engels hold on records and manuscripts left by Marx.
Works of Marx formulated the theoretical basis of Communism. Judging from the remarkable development of this movement in the 20th century, so it is worth if he gets a place in the high-order this book. The problem is, how high?
The main factor for this decision is the calculation of the importance of long-term Communist history. Since the growth of Communism as an integral part of contemporary history, was a little difficult to determine the future perspectives. Although no one could ascertain how much Communism could evolve and how long this ideology could survive, that's for sure he is a strong and resilient ideology and strong roots plunged into the earth, and has certainly had a major influence in the world for at least the next few centuries .

At present, about a century after Marx's death, the number of people who at least influenced by Marxism has approximately 1.3 billion number. The number of adherents is greater than the number of adherents of any ideology in human history. Not just the absolute numbers, but also as a group of the world's population. This resulted in the Communists, and also some non-Communists, believe that in the future can not Marxism will triumph throughout the world. However, it is difficult to establish the truth in the belief that no bergoyah. There have been many examples of the ideology that seems very important influence in his time but eventually wither and disappear. (Religion founded by Mani could be an interesting example). If we retroactively to 1900, would seem clear that constitutional democracy is the current fad that will be the future. Hold on to hope, it seems that way, but now no more people who believe everything has happened as the original image.
Now about Communism. Put a person believes so and know exactly how great the Communist influence in the world today and in the future world, yet people still question the significance of Karl Marx in the Communist movement. Politics Soviet government now seems not supervised by the works of Marx who wrote the premises as Hegel's dialectic style and about the theory of "value." Theories seemed little influence in the political wheel rotation practices Soviet government, politics both within and outside the country.
Communism today focuses on four ideas:
(1) A little small rich people live in luxury are abundant, while the workers were very numerous lives wallowing in misery papa.
(2) How to dismantle this injustice is to implement a socialist system, ie a system in which the means of production controlled by the state and not by a private individual.
(3) In general, only the most practical way to implement the socialist system is through violent revolution.
(4) In order to maintain the continuity of the socialist system should be governed by the dictatorship of the Communist party in the appropriate time period.
Three of the first ideas was clearly articulated before Marx. While the fourth idea comes from the idea of Marx's "dictatorship of the proletariat." Meanwhile, the length of the validity period of the Soviet dictatorship is now more a result of the steps of Lenin and Stalin than the ideas of Marx. This seems to lead to the assumption that the influence of Marx on Communism is smaller than the actual reality, and the appreciation of the writings, more like just etalasi to justify the nature of "scholarship" rather than ideas and politics that have been implemented and accepted.
While there may be some truth to that notion, but it seems too excessive. Lenin for example, do not just assume he followed the teachings of Marx, but he actually read it, live it, and accept it. He was convinced that dilimpahkannya road just above the rails stretched Marx. So also happen to Mao Tse Tung and other Communist leaders. It is true, Marx's ideas may have been misunderstood and interpreted, but this sort of thing also applies to the teachings of Jesus or Buddha, or Islam. If all the political basis of the government of China and the Soviet Union directly from the writings of Marx, he would get a higher level of order in this list.
Might be argued that Lenin, practical politician who actually founded the Communist state, holds a large stake in the building of Communism as an ideology that is so great influence in the world. This argument makes sense. Lenin was an important figure. But, in my opinion, Marx's writings are such a great influence on the mind not only Lenin but also other Communist leaders, clearly had a more important position.
Also there is an opportunity to debate whether the credit for the creation of Marxism does not have to be divided between Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. They both wrote "The Communist Manifesto" and Engels clearly had a profound impact on the final settlement of Das Kapital. Although each book in its own name but intellectual cooperation so intimate that the overall results can be considered as a collective work. Indeed, Marx and Engels were treated as a single unit in this book although that included only the name of Marx because (I think I am correct) he considered the dominant partner in a broad sense.
Finally, often accused person that the Marxist theory in economics is very bad and much mistaken. Of course, many specific allegations proved Marx wrong. For example, Marx predicted that in capitalist countries the workers will be more protracted in the time travel. Obviously, this prediction is not proven. Marx also take into account that the medium will be exposed and most of the people will go into the proletarian class, and only a few can get up and go into the capitalist class. It was certainly never proven. Marx also seems to believe, the increasing mechanization will reduce the profits of the capitalists, the trust is not only wrong but it also looks stupid. But, regardless of whether economic theory is right or wrong, it does not have anything to do with the influence of Marx. The importance of a philosopher lies not in his opinion but the truth lies in the question of whether his thoughts have moved people to act or not. Measured from this angle, no doubt Karl Marx had a tremendous importance wonderful.

THOMAS JEFFERSON (1743-1826)

Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States. He is the author of the Declaration of Independence. The person whose name is known, was born from the belly of his mother in 1743 in Shadwell, Virginia. His father? Certainly not the president nor any writer, but an investigator and also a successful farmer. As is usually a good father and not unconventional, he inherited a vast estate for the child. Jefferson studied at the College of William and Mary for two years, but somehow came out just before the title can be anything. After that he studied jurisprudence for several years and in 1767 he was placed in the judiciary Virginia. Jefferson seven years practicing law habit while wallowing in agriculture. At the same time he was also a member of "Burges" Virginia legislature.

The first important essay Jefferson A Summary View of the Rights of British America, on view in passing happenings rights of his American English. The essay was written in 1774. The following year he was elected a member of the Virginia delegation to attend the second Continental Congress, and in 1776 he began to make doodles draft the Declaration of Independence. At the end of the same year he returned to the Virginia legislature and play perananlah him there in terms of various important decisions regarding temporal changes a big problem. Two of his proposals is the Statute of Virginia for Religion Freedom and the Bill for the More General Diffusion of Knowledge. The first concerns the laws regarding religious freedom in Virginia and the second concerns the legislation concerning dissemination of knowledge in general. The second one is clearly related to the educational needs of society.

  Jefferson proposals regarding education, among others: the provision of basic education to everyone; the establishment of a government university for those who are gifted deserve higher education; a system of scholarships. Jefferson's education plan is not accepted by the state of Virginia at the time, although similar plans later implemented by other countries without exception.

Legislation concerning religious freedom is impressive even admirable because it contains religious tolerance and at the same firmness the separation between religion and state. (Previously, the Anglican Church is the official religion in Virginia). Indeed, there is opposition to Jefferson's proposal but ultimately approved also by the legislature Virginia (1786). A similar idea immediately approved the law on human rights by other states, and finally it was agreed in the United States Constitution itself.

Jefferson finished Governor of Virginia from 1779 until 1781. Then he "retired" from political life. During this period he wrote ngaso only his Notes on the State of Virginia, particulars of the state of Virginia. This book contains, among others Jefferson firm attitude and the bright of the anti-slavery. 1782 Jefferson's wife died ten years after marriage and children and six. Although the widower Jefferson still quite young, but she did not marry again after that.

Then he hastily stopped from ngasonya and immersed herself in Congress. There its about individual things currency division of the weight and size corner (this was before the plan metric system, which is assessed by the meter length, weight assessed by the gram, the content assessed by the liter and so on) is rejected. He also proposed the banning of slavery in the entire state, but this proposal was rejected for lack of a voice!


1784 Jefferson visited France on a diplomatic mission. Once there so he replaced Benjamin Franklin so the American ambassador to France. Five years he lived in France, known only she absent from political activity within the United States including when the constitution was drafted and approved. Jefferson welcomed the ratification of the constitution, and like the other leaders, he was absolutely convinced laws that guarantee human rights should be included in the constitution.

  Jefferson returned to the country in late 1789 and immediately appointed to korsi Minister of Foreign Affairs. In developing the cabinet forum fierce differences between Jefferson with Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton. They are different schools of political views.

On a national scale political supporters Hamilton joined to form the Federal Party, while Jefferson's political supporters joined to form the Democratic-Republican Party which later evolved into the Democratic Party that we know today.

1796 Jefferson become a candidate for President, but the second after John Adams. Under the provisions of the constitution in force at the time, by itself he only occupied the Vice President. New in 1800 he advanced again and he finished victorious defeating President John Adams.

As President, Jefferson moderate doing fine against the former political opponents, and thus instilling a culture of political tradition for the United States in subsequent periods. The peak of the peak of a legacy he gave during the presidential term is a step in the purchase of Louisiana, which resulted in making the United States is almost double the breadth. Louisiana Purchase may be a transfer of ownership of the largest area peacefully throughout history. This in turn makes the United States a large and powerful country in the world, Hence the term has significance far. Jefferson Suppose a charge of affairs that the Louisiana purchase, could so I put him over the top in the order of the list now. But, I believe, the French leader Napoleon Banaparte, in decision-making intricate steps and selling area to the United States is that most people grasp the role. Instead of Jefferson. If ever there was an American who had a major role in these transactions, it was not Jefferson, because Jefferson never had chimera purchased land so vast. Yang-closest is the US mission in Paris, Robert Livingstone and James Monroe were so smelt nice and profitable opportunity to negotiate the sale, he sped past diplomatic instructions available to him and engage in buy-sell agreement. (It is interesting that in the note posted on the tombstone, Jefferson did not include the purchase of Louisiana as one of the results of his achievements, but notes that he himself wrote).

Jefferson was re-elected as President in 1804, but in 1808 he berkeputusan not want to be president for a third time. Means he strengthened step ever taken by George Washington. Jefferson retired in 1809 and the only next step nature of government activities was to establish the University of Virginia (inaugurated in 1819). With so he could see part of the plan ever proposed in the new parliament despite realized Virginia forty-three years later. Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, on the fifth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, after a journey filled with struggle --dan also kebahagiaan-- for more than eighty-three years. His talent in addition to a lot of political talent. He mastered five or six foreign languages, he serious enthusiasts natural sciences and mathematics, he was a successful farmer who wallow in the way of scientific agriculture. And also he is the producer of goods, an inventor although small in size and also a clever architect.

Due to the talent and personal qualities that are so prominent, often exaggerated the vote, beyond the actual effect she had had in history. If we want to accurately assess the significance, perhaps we should depart from the particulars of the Declaration of Independence, because the level planners considered it a great work Jefferson. First it should be noted the Declaration of Independence was not part of the legal government of the United States because of its importance lies in the fact that the declaration was a spontaneous outburst of American ideals. Moreover, the ideals contained therein are not original ideas, but most of Jefferson derived from the writings of John Locke. The Declaration of Independence is not a genuine philosophy of the original, and also does not meant that it is a concise statement of belief that has become a fad many Americans.

Nor is it because of the greatness of Jefferson in the preparation of sentences declaration that encourages Americans proclaimed its independence. The Revolutionary War was essentially broke the month April 1775 (more than a year before the Declaration of Independence) which stems from the battle of Lexington and Concord. In the months after the battle, the American colonies faced a critical decision: should they should be demanding immediate independence or have to compromise with the British government? In the spring of 1776, chose the first alternative passion grew stronger in the Continental Congress. Nor Jefferson but Richard Henry Lee of Virginia on June 7 officially proposed that colonized America declared itself independent from Britain. Congress took the decision to postpone the vote on the proposal of resolution Lee several weeks and formed a committee led by Jefferson to draw up a general statement of the reasons for declaring independence. (Other committee members wisely invited Jefferson drafted a declaration alone). Congress hears again shows resolution Lee on July 1 and the next day when the ballot proposal was accepted unanimously. In voting on July 2 that the critical decisions regarding the declaration of independence solved. New after it diterimalah draft resolution to be debated Jefferson arrangement. The resolution was received by Congress (with some changes) two days later, on July 4, 1776.

When the Declaration of Independence is considered not as important as people think generally, if there are other works that can be placed in a high position in this list? In a note on his tombstone, Jefferson mention two works which he hoped could be remembered. First, its role in relation to the establishment of the University of Virginia, although in fact it is not so decisive, is nonetheless not sufficient condition for its inclusion in the list of this order. Secondly, his work as a writer Statute of Virginia for Religions Freedom is capable of properly qualified and have meaning. Of course, the general notion of religious freedom has been coined by many famous philosophers before Jefferson, including John Locke and Voltaire. But the legislation is more advanced than the idea that recommended Locke. Furthermore, Jefferson an active politician who managed to realize his mind into the form of laws, and proposed Jefferson affect other states when they make laws concerning human rights.

It's tempting further question: to what extent the shares donated Jefferson in terms of the passage of legislation on the federal rights? Jefferson is representative of those who love the guarantee rights and indeed he was one of the intellectual leaders of the group. However, Jefferson was not in the country between 1784 until the end of 1789, so it certainly was not involved when the debate speech rights in difficult-difficult times ahead konstritusi convention. James Madison was the one who hold key roles and successfully amended through Congress. (Congress passed amendments to the September 25, 1789, before Jefferson returned to the United States).

It may be said, not an action step resini Jefferson, but his attitudes most in influencing the United States. But, still can doubt the extent to which the ideas of Jefferson accepted by the American people. The crowds were flattering name of Thomas Jefferson, supporting political wisdom, which is precisely contrary to the opinion of Jefferson himself. For example, Jefferson was convinced by what we now call "small government." A characteristic expression (derived from the inaugural address): "... that is a wise and economical administration that would prevent people from hurting others, which will provide flexibility freely adjust the desire of industry and improvement of life ..." Maybe Jefferson correct starting point, but elections in the past forty years show that his words did not convince the majority of Americans. The second example. Jefferson fiercely oppose the view that the final authority to interpret the Constitution lies in the hands of the Supreme Court, which could also thus unconstitutional a law that has been agreed despite Congress. Opinions of this kind, he thought, contrary to the principle of democratic pemeritahan.

But if people are too fascinated by the trees, he would lose the overall view of the forest. If people want to backtrack a little step and try to assess the Jefferson career in a larger scale, people will soon be able to see why Jefferson described as "a spokesman for the freedom of man who stands out."

Should Thomas Jefferson placed higher or lower than George Washington? American independence and democratic institutions established by the joint effort of people are full of ideas and the people who work hard. If both are equally important, I believe the general idea is the more important contribution factor. On the executive side, George Washington clearly plays a dominant role. Tribute to those who sparked the idea should --mau not want - divided among sejunilah people, including Americans like Jefferson and James Madison and the people of Europe such as John Locke, Voltaire and many others.

History Theory According ARNOLD J. Toynbee

Once we recognize and know the opinions of the philosophers of the modern age as Vico, Hegel, Marx and Oswald Spengler, we will know again the famous philosophers who came from England that Arnold J. Toynbee. He is a British scholar who can electrify the world history with his essay entitled "A Study of History" comprising 12 volumes thick. The essay book was first published in 1933.

     In his book, Toynbee argued that his theory is based on research on 21 cultures were perfect and imperfect 9 cultures that exist throughout the world. For example, a perfect culture among Greeks, Romans, Maya (Central America), the Hindu, the West (Europe), Eastern Europe and so on. While imperfect, among others, Eskimo, Sparta, Polynesia, Turkey and so on.

     Based on the theory presented in his books, Arnold J. Toynbee concludes that in the history of motion there is no specific law that controls and regulates the sinking arise for certain cultures (Tamburaka, 1999: 65).

1. Shape Pattern / Rhythm Motion History
In looking at and determining pattern / rhythm of the movement of history, Arnold J. Toynbee compared the development / process with cultural history. According to Toynbee view, culture (civilization) is a form rather than the life of a whole class. Toynbee's opinion is similar to what is called by Oswald Spengler as culture and civilization.

According to Toynbee, the movement of history through the levels as follows:
a) The Genesis of civilization (birth culture)
A culture occurs and appears because of the challenges and answers (challenge and response) between man and nature. Nature as a human habitation, not always going to meet human needs. And humans will forever be complacent natural wealth without having to be processed and preserved. Nature will provide a challenge to man to give life experiences that will develop into a culture.
After giving a challenge to human nature, then any man would answer the challenges of nature, giving rise to a culture. In good nature, man seeks to establish a culture like India, Europe, China. Nature which has natural conditions such as climate accordance with the conditions of the human body, so that people can give birth to a culture that once was cultivated by the man himself as a civilization which can give a positive value for nature.

However, where the natural conditions are not good, people will not be able to establish a culture that would become a civilization. As the area that is too cold or too hot areas can not arise because of a culture hostile nature, so a busy man to survive without having to pay attention to culture what they can reveal and pass on to their offspring.

b) Growth of civilization (cultural development)
Of good natural conditions sehigga cause birth culture, the development of a culture, which is an event that is driven by a fraction of the parties that culture. The parties that culture is a group of people who become a society. A group of small amounts (minority) it creates a culture of the answers given and the challenges of nature, then imitated by most people (mayority). A minority cultures developed by the strong and can create a culture. A nkecil group (minority) Strong develop culture by spreading the culture and influence masyarrakat to emulate the culture that has been created minority.

c) Decline of civilization (cultural collapse)
Cultural development is grown by a powerful minority. If the minority has been able again to maintain the culture (weak) and lose their creativity, the challenges of nature can no longer be answered. Consequently, if such a situation already peaked, there will be a collapse that led to the destruction of culture as if lost in nature.
According to Toynbee, the collapse occurred in three waves period, namely:
1) cultural decline, caused by the loss of minority appeal to create a culture and lost its authority, the mayority no longer willing to follow the rules in the cultural minority (between minority and majority) broke and certainly shoots cultural life will disappear.
2) The destruction of culture, began to appear after the shoots of life was dead and stalled growth. After growth stalled then as if it freezes vitality and there exists a culture that no longer spirited. Toynbee call this period the petrification, manufacture or culture that has become stone, died and became fossilized.
3) The disappearance of the body when the culture is a culture that has become stone was destroyed later disappeared. (yamburuka, 1999: 66-67)

If we look at the opinion of the motion history Toynbee above it can be concluded that the movement of history in the view of Toynbee is a legal form Fatum-Cyklus in the form of a modern form. Because the view of Toynbee, not only pay attention to the motion of the historical process alone, but also pay attention to how early events and culture, then evolved and eventually retreated and lost. And also eyeing the time it takes culture to emerge, evolve, and retreat. This is evidenced in research Toynbee example of ancient Chinese culture-which explains, among Break Down (degenerate), disintegration (crushed), Dissolution (lost) a culture that does not take place rapidly extends the time period of 2000 years was called pembatuan period (petrification) .

2. Direction and Purpose Motion History
After seeing the historical forces that shaped pattern fatum-cylus law in the form of a modern form, which at the time of breakdown (degenerate) before the disintegration arise, often there is an attempt to stop the destruction. The effort was led by the great souls who act as if the Messiah. But the struggle was not successful.

An attempt was made to stop the collapse of a culture that might work is the replacement of all the cultural norms with norms of divinity. So with replacing it appeared that the history of motion direction and purpose in view Toynbee is the divine life.

The divine life which is the direction of history, with the aim to achieve perfection that is heading to the kingdom of God (according to the Protestant understanding) to know the will of God and form rather than the will of the history in order to better love God. And if we look from the view of Ibn Khaldun that determines the direction of the movement of history that is in the direction of progress and perfection. And when we connect between Toynbee and Ibn Khaldun's view, they both have the goal to head toward perfection with what makes a better human being according to the will of God.
As a result of research Toynbee is no definite legal and melelui certain circles which should be united. And Toynbee seeks to answer questions about the purpose of the movement of history is true philosopher is a historian educated in empirical studies and that is also based on a true religious beliefs (David Richardson, in Tamburata, 1999: 69)

3. Being Source Motion Drive The History
From the above explanation, from Toynbee view of the history of motion patterns and objectives, it is clear that the mover of the motion history according to Toynbee view is:
a. God, as creator of the universe and human
b. Nature, which gives the relationship and response to human
c. Humans, who acts as the creator of culture

God who is the creator of nature and man, the man knows the will and the manifestation of His will that be the goal of the individuals towards the divine life. God who dwells in His kingdom that wishes to make a human being perfect and better. It is the same with the teachings of Java, "Burghers Manunggaling Gusti", who wants to become a better man to be perfect and return to the Lord.

Nature as a living human being who gives a challenge, then man responded by creating a culture that is good for nature. Nature does not always give a good condition, but also give people who are not good, so that culture will not appear.

Man as the creator of culture which is the prime mover of the motion of history, because it is people who determine the direction and goals of the movement of history that exist in the human power to be a factor of the rise and fall of cultures which is a manifestation of the movement of history. So three interconnected drive can be an element of the movement of history.