ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the shift in Cornelius Cardew's energies toward an explicitly political end with a particular focus on the relationship between Cardew's earlier experiences and the new directions. Tilbury expresses his belief that it was Cardew's instinct for revolutionary action that inspired him perhaps more that the Marxism that underpinned it: It was not so much the vaunted truth and invincibility of Marxism-Leninism that motivated him, it was the explosive and revolutionary potential embodied within its praxis. Cardew, in keeping with the Maoist principle of learning from the masses in order to educate the masses, worked tirelessly alongside the people. He supported anti-fascist and anti-capitalist demonstrations, became involved in the Northern Irish nationalists struggle for liberation and any number of other causes as directed by the Party. The Christopher Caudwell crystallises the thoughts and feelings of a considerable number of Scratch members, including Cardew, and even some of those who subsequently resisted and bitterly regretted the Marxist take-over.
