Meaning: The quote by Ernest Mandel encapsulates the essence of Marxism as a dynamic and evolving ideology that constantly adapts to new experiences and facts. Mandel, a Marxist economist and theorist, emphasizes the importance of openness and flexibility within Marxist thought, highlighting the need to incorporate new information and historical insights into the framework of scientific socialism.

Marxism, as a socio-political and economic theory, is rooted in the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, and it seeks to analyze and transform society through a dialectical and materialist understanding of history and class struggle. At its core, Marxism provides a critical lens through which to examine the dynamics of capitalism, exploitation, and social inequality. However, Mandel's quote suggests that Marxism is not a static doctrine but rather a living theory that must engage with new experiences and facts to remain relevant and effective in understanding and transforming the world.

The concept of Marxism being "always open" reflects the recognition that the world is in a constant state of flux, with new social, economic, and political developments emerging over time. Mandel's assertion implies that Marxism cannot afford to remain stagnant or dogmatic in its approach, as it must continually evolve to address contemporary challenges and complexities. By remaining open, Marxism can integrate new experiences and facts into its analytical framework, enriching its understanding of the world and informing its strategies for social change.

The idea of incorporating new facts, including those about the past, into the corpus of scientific socialism underscores the historical and empirical nature of Marxist analysis. Marxism is deeply rooted in a historical materialist methodology, which emphasizes the study of concrete social and economic conditions as the basis for understanding societal development and conflict. Mandel's emphasis on integrating facts about the past speaks to the importance of historical context in shaping Marxist analysis and action. By learning from past experiences and historical struggles, Marxism can refine its insights and strategies for advancing the interests of the working class and marginalized groups.

Furthermore, the notion of scientific socialism highlights the rigorous and systematic approach that Marxism seeks to uphold in its analysis of society and its pursuit of social transformation. By incorporating new experiences and facts, Marxism aims to refine and expand its scientific understanding of social relations, production, and power dynamics. This continual process of refinement and expansion allows Marxism to remain relevant and responsive to the evolving realities of capitalist society and the struggles of the working class.

In conclusion, Ernest Mandel's quote encapsulates the dynamic and adaptive nature of Marxism as a theory and practice. By emphasizing openness, the integration of new experiences and facts, and the historical and empirical foundations of scientific socialism, Mandel underscores the living and evolving character of Marxist thought. This perspective invites scholars, activists, and practitioners of Marxism to engage critically with contemporary developments and historical insights, enriching the theory's analytical tools and strategic approaches for the ongoing struggle for social justice and liberation.