Manifesto

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A manifesto is a public declaration in which individuals, groups, or parties present their intentions, motives, or views on important issues. Manifestos are often associated with political parties, social movements, and artistic or philosophical schools of thought. They are intended to outline the principles and plans of the issuer, often in a concise and persuasive manner, to garner support and influence public opinion or policy.

Origins and History

The term "manifesto" derives from the Latin manifestum, which means clear or conspicuous. Historically, manifestos have played a pivotal role in political and social movements. One of the earliest and most influential manifestos is the Communist Manifesto written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in 1848, which laid out the principles of Marxism and called for the overthrow of capitalist systems.

Types of Manifestos

Manifestos can vary widely in content and style depending on their authors and the context in which they are created. Some common types include:

• Political Manifestos: These are often used by political parties to outline their policies and goals before elections. For example, the Labour Party frequently publishes a manifesto before the general elections.
• Artistic and Literary Manifestos: Used by artists, writers, and filmmakers to express their artistic philosophies and the principles of their movements. The Surrealist Manifesto by André Breton, published in 1924, is an example of this type.
• Corporate Manifestos: Some companies create manifestos to outline their mission, vision, and values to both employees and the public.
• Technology Manifestos: In the tech industry, manifestos may outline philosophies regarding software development practices, such as the Agile Manifesto for software development.

Impact and Criticism

Manifestos can have a significant impact on society by influencing public opinion, shaping political or artistic movements, and inspiring action. However, they can also be subject to criticism. Detractors might argue that manifestos oversimplify complex issues, use overly aggressive or divisive rhetoric, or fail to provide practical solutions.

Notable Manifestos

Some well-known manifestos that have had a considerable impact on society include:

• Communist Manifesto (1848) by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
• Declaration of Independence (1776) by Thomas Jefferson
• Surrealist Manifesto (1924) by André Breton
• Futurist Manifesto (1909) by Filippo Tommaso Marinetti
• Cyborg Manifesto (1985) by Donna Haraway

See Also

• Political philosophy
• Social movement
• Declaration