218: Adbusters

Wonder where the Occupy movement came from? Look no further than Adbusters, a countercultural critique of capitalism.

Adbusters is a not for profit organization. Our magazine is entirely ad free.

Our mission is to cut through the fog of mental pollution, changing the way information flows in our society. With incisive philosophical thrusts, activist commentaries and visual mindbombs from around the world, we want to enlighten you, enrage you and enlist you in creating a new future. We hope Adbusters is a kick in the head, a life changing epiphany and a compelling call to arms.

Why this is progressive/liberal: Adbusters was instrumental in launching the Occupy Wall Street campaign. Plus, Kalle Lasn's book is mandatory reading for progressives across the globe.

Culture Jam: How to Reverse America's Suicidal Consumer Binge--And Why We Must

332: Capital by Karl Marx

Capital: Volume 1: A Critique of Political Econom, Vol. 1
Capital : A Critique of Political Economy, Vol. 2
Capital: A Critique of Political Economy, Vol. 3

They're going to call you a communist so you might as well know what they're accusing you of. This is a classic economic text and should be read by anybody with an interest in politics or economics. You might want to read your Adam Smith and David Ricardo before you start reading Karl Marx, but it's not an absolute necessity.

Don't be put off by the size of this work. Yes, it's huge, but you'll be surprised how much you can get out of even a casual reading.

Why this is progressive/liberal: Almost everything you know about Marx is wrong. Once you understand Marx's critique of the commodification of life you may find yourself more sympathetic to his arguments. Even if you ultimately don't agree with Marx, and decide life is better as an unrepentant capitalist, you should at least know the argument.

Buy the Kindle version: Capital: A Critique of Political Economy: 1
Capital: 2
Capital: 3