Yeah, well he could read the Communist Manifesto in about 3 hours and then he could actually keep up with the conversation simply by understanding what communism is and how certain nations have practiced "communism" which is entirely contradictory to Marx's ideas.

I first read the book in the 10th grade. It was assigned by our English teacher (and this was at the hottest points of the Cold War). At the time, I was thoroughly angry that I had to read a book I knew I disagreed with. Yet, as I read it, I found myself knodding and admiring Marx's prose. Once I got out of high school and started working, Marx's work became much more significant to me (and clearer). My English teacher later countered the Manifesto with Orwell's Animal Farm. I now see why she did that, to illustrate that Marx and Engels had good ideas but its absolutely impossible to carry any of them out simply because or moral character will get in the way, i.e. greediness.

Later in high school, I had a very good history teacher (and he inspired me to major in history) who pointed out that the Soviet Union operates in more capitalist manners than communist. He also showed us evidence of communist societies that preceeded Christ. In doing that he exposed us to philosophy, which I also studied in college.