Gompers College Application

Tuesday, February 08, 2011 9:21 AM

New York University

Unfiled Notes Page 1

Unfiled Notes Page 2

Marxian Influences Samuel Gompers (Harsha Nori) While history has gifted mankind with scores of prominent, historic figures, the most influential figure in my life has been Karl Marx. Granted, our ideologies are not perfectly in synch – in fact, my creation of labor unions directly contradicts Marxian philosophies. However, Karl Marx was the first to inspire me to challenge the hierarchy as a whole, and those same Marxian philosophies directly led to the creation of the AFL, my proudest accomplishment.

Unfiled Notes Page 3

directly led to the creation of the AFL, my proudest accomplishment.

Specific works and teachings of Marx provided significant amounts of knowledge. For example, the Communist Manifesto provided insight into a world of hidden thought. Coupled with Marx’s theories from the Socialist exiles from Europe led to the fundamental concept on which the A.F.L was founded – economic organization and control over economic power were the fulcrum which made possible influence and power over other fields. However, the most interesting facet of Marxist ideals is where my ideals differ from Marxist concepts. While I agree with most Marxist teachings, labor unions – my most significant investment and achievement – directly contradict those ideals! I am a Marxist who forged an anti-Marxist movement, and while paradoxical, I believe this very ideal allowed for my successes. Marxists and I primarily differ on issues of socialism – I do not advocate for any socialist ideals in unions. Over the course of my life, I have had a lot of exposure to socialist ideals. In fact, until very recently, I embraced many socialist ideals. However, my views have since matured and I am now “enlightened”, so to speak. When I was removed as President of the AFL, an organization I essentially founded, by the socialist party, my eyes opened and I saw the truly fatal flaws of the party. Allowing socialistic thought in organized labor will lead to nothing more than failure, and the current success of my organization is strictly attributed to my rejection of such ideals. Organized labor cannot be radical – as illustrated by the Knights of Labor, radical ideals will simply increase the number of people opposed to our ideals. I suppose I am a pseudo-Marxist – while Marxism forms the core and foundations of my movement, aspects of Marxism contradict my core philosophies.

The teachings of Karl Marx have had a significant and profound effect on my life – without Marxist philosophies, the A.F.L as a whole might not have existed. However, as is the case with many things, I cannot wholeheartedly embrace all parts of Marxism – doing so would contradict labor unions as a whole. In fact, my personal philosophies on Marxism apply in many aspects of life, even college; while I can learn and absorb information, true success is only attained by personalizing and customizing such ideals.

Unfiled Notes Page 4