Meaning: The quote "Marxists have some way of analyzing the development of affairs which enables them to judge far in advance of scientific thinkers what the trend of social and economic development is to be" by John Bernal, a scientist, touches on the Marxist perspective on historical and social development. To fully understand this quote, it is essential to delve into the core tenets of Marxism and its approach to analyzing historical and economic trends.

Marxism, named after the philosopher and economist Karl Marx, is a social, political, and economic theory that seeks to understand and eventually transform society. At the heart of Marxism is the belief that history is shaped by the struggle between different social classes, particularly the conflict between the ruling class (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat). According to Marx, the evolution of societies is driven by the contradictions and conflicts inherent in the economic relationships between these classes.

One of the key elements of Marxist analysis is historical materialism, which posits that the development of human society is primarily determined by the material conditions and the mode of production. This perspective emphasizes the role of economic factors, such as the means of production and the relations of production, in shaping social and historical development. Marxists argue that the economic base of society, including the ownership of the means of production, determines the social and political superstructure.

In the context of the quote, the notion of Marxists being able to "judge far in advance of scientific thinkers what the trend of social and economic development is to be" reflects the Marxist belief in the predictive power of their analytical framework. Marxists argue that by understanding the underlying economic dynamics and class struggles within a society, they can anticipate the future trajectory of social and economic development. This assertion is rooted in the idea that the contradictions within capitalist societies will inevitably lead to crises and transformations, ultimately shaping the course of history.

Furthermore, the quote implies that Marxists possess a unique analytical approach that enables them to discern the long-term trends of social and economic development. This approach involves a critical examination of the capitalist mode of production, the dynamics of class struggle, and the underlying contradictions that propel historical change. Marxists often utilize dialectical and historical materialist methods to analyze societal phenomena and to forecast the potential outcomes of ongoing social and economic processes.

John Bernal, the author of the quote, was a prominent scientist and also a committed Marxist. As a scientist, Bernal likely appreciated the analytical framework of Marxism, which aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of societal development. His statement may reflect his admiration for the predictive capacity of Marxist analysis in deciphering the trajectory of social and economic evolution.

In conclusion, the quote by John Bernal encapsulates the belief within Marxist thought that their analytical framework allows them to discern the future course of social and economic development with greater insight than other schools of thought. It signifies the confidence of Marxists in their ability to forecast historical and societal trends based on their understanding of the underlying economic and class dynamics. This perspective is deeply rooted in the principles of historical materialism and the dialectical approach to societal analysis that are fundamental to Marxist theory.