Can The Marxist Mantra Ever Work?

[naomi24]

This question arises from a conversation I had here earlier - and it’s something to talk about other than the miseries of Coronavirus so that can’t be a bad thing.

So … the Marxist Mantra -

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs".

Can that ever work in any society - and if not, why not?

[allenlondon]

Well, I suppose threads like these give the loony rightists the chance to get together for a snarl-in, which always affords the fun of poking sticks through the bars, and it’s largely harmless.

[mushroom25]

always affords the fun of poking sticks through the bars, and it’s largely harmless.

really? it didn't do this guy much good....

[naomi24]

You proudly proclaim your Marxism, Allen, but you're unable to argue a case for it. That says it all really. It's just idealistic, unworkable, nonsense.

[woofgang]

I am happy to share my excess and I do and it makes me happy to do it, but I don't see why I shouldn't enjoy what I have worked hard for.

[jim360]

Pure marxism clewrly cant work, but I didn't realkse that "from each according to his ability, To each according to his need" is somehow unique to Marxism or antithetical to capitalism. In any case, "to each according to his need" seems hard to argue against, with regards to basic essentials such as food, water, accommodation, etc. That's what the benefits system is meant to ensure.

[naomi24]

//I didn't realkse that "from each according to his ability, To each according to his need" is somehow unique to Marxism or antithetical to capitalism. //

Did you not?

//"to each according to his need" seems hard to argue against//

I believe few would argue with that. However, from each according to his ability raises a few protests - and rightly so.

[jim360]

Just to be clear, I knew it's a Marxist thing, I just don't see why the principle can't be adapted in a capitalist society.

I suppose being part of society requires contribution to an extent, and it makes sense that it's proportional to your ability to give. Perhaps the only point of disagreement then is the level.

[Togo]

From each according to his ability...interpretation.

Let the willing fools do all the work and the idle feckless get away with it as long as they vote for us.

To Each according to his needs.......interpretation.

Give the most vocal and strident everything they want to shut them up, but make it conditional on them promising to vote for you. Let the meek fools and dissenters starve and suffer.

[Togo]

“The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power, pure power.”

George Orwell 1984.

[jim360]

I suppose my point would then be that the phrase is vague enough that it is possible to interpret it in several ways. Everyone would agree, I think, with a progressive tax rate so that people earning more pay proportionally more -- just not skywateringly high.

[naomi24]

There’s no suggestion that it’s proportional. The contribution required by such a society is the fruits of everyone's labour regardless of what that labour may involve. In return all receive according to their need. A sure way to destroy aspiration.

[douglas9401]

The answer is The Federation in Star Trek.

You're welcome (unless you're a Romulan, then you can bolt).

[naomi24]

Cross posted with you Togo.

[Togo]

Naomi....note. You don't get to decide what your "needs" are. The "officials do that. The same "officials" that can allocate you labour, and conditions that will certainly kill you. Marxism.

[jim360]

It's a different picture of aspiration, doesn't necessarily have to destroy it.

Still, its key flaw is that it requires everyone to participate, and that's asking too much.

[naomi24]

Indeed Togo.

Jim, where’s the benefit in aspiration - or hard work - if it reaps no reward?

[Togo]

Aspirations?? Haha the millions of unfortunate souls who fell for the marxist lies and lived under it's cruel and oppressive system only had one aspiration.......to get rid of it.

[ToraToraTora]

allenlondon, can you explain how marxism can work?

[allenlondon]

No, I just enjoy poking sticks through the bars.

[ToraToraTora]

ok so just a standard lefty dreamer then.