Communism and human nature (Bolshie Mod sez, Arise ye kittens of the earth!)

Many argue that communism will never be possible because of "human nature". The essence of this false argument is the belief that a communist society would consist of an all-powerful central government that would tell everybody what to do--and would therefore undermine the creative initiative of individuals and the search for happiness.

(1) It assumes that a communist society will look like the former Soviet Union, or the current China, North Korea, etc (ie: corrupt police states with a feudal-style ruling class) (2) It assumes that people will only work in order to own bigger and bigger piles of commodities.

• The truth is that: (1) There will be no government in communist society--people will do what they want without being pushed around by anyone. The development of a corrupt police state or a new ruling class will be prevented by the struggles of the masses who will be armed with the weapon of transparency. (2) In a world of abundance for all no one will have to struggle (or even work) for the necessities of life (which will be a birthright--just like the air we all breathe). People will work on projects of their own choosing because (a) they find the work fun and interesting; (b) they enjoy the work relationships with talented and dedicated co-workers; (c) they want to make the world a better place; or (d) they want social status and recognition. A world of abundance for all where work is fun (and voluntary) will be made possible by a much higher productivity of human labor.

• An example of communist work relationships is provided by the Linux computer operating system--the core of which was created by many thousands of people--all working for free. A 2nd example is the "work" involved when people post to this forum. No one gets paid to post here--but people do so--because it is an expression of their principles and convictions.

• Who is in control? Under capitalism (and previous economic systems such as feudalism and slavery) only a small fraction of the population has control over their conditions of work--and the life of society as a whole. Only under genuine communism will the masses control their conditions of work--and the culture, economy and politics of society.

So, in other words:

"Communism keeps failing just because the right people haven't been in charge (yet)."

Yawn.

I'm glad to see the ZOT is well underway.

"• The truth is that: (1) There will be no government in communist society--people will do what they want without being pushed around by anyone."

This is patently false.
The 'people' work to produce goods that will benefit others.
In other words, you do not enjoy the toils of your own labors, others do regardless of their individual input into the system.
And under communism, some are mroe equal than others.
There will always be the 'party' elite.

Interesting until an El Duce' or Stalin comes along and oppresses you because he's paranoid that you might pose a threat to him.

In a world of abundance for all no one will have to struggle (or even work) for the necessities of life (which will be a birthright--just like the air we all breathe). People will work on projects of their own choosing because (a) they find the work fun and interesting; (b) they enjoy the work relationships with talented and dedicated co-workers; (c) they want to make the world a better place; or (d) they want social status and recognition. A world of abundance for all where work is fun (and voluntary) will be made possible by a much higher productivity of human labor.

In order for this to happen the production of life's necessities would have to be effortless rendering those items without value as commodities. You need to go back and retake Logic 101.

I'd like to teach the world to sing
In perfect harmony
I'd like to hold it in my arms
And keep it company

Id like to build the world a home
And furnish it with love
Grow apple trees and honey bees
And snow-white turtle doves.

(That's the song I hear)
I'd like to teach the world to sing
(that the world sings today)
In perfect harmony

"• An example of communist work relationships is provided by the Linux computer operating system--the core of which was created by many thousands of people--all working for free. A 2nd example is the "work" involved when people post to this forum. No one gets paid to post here--but people do so--because it is an expression of their principles and convictions."

False.
FR is more like a community.
Neighbors don't get paid to be neighbors.
And THAT is not communism at all.

"Humans need leaders."

And we pick such good ones, Pol Pot, Stalin, Lenin, Hitler...

The only was for communism to work is for everyone to be totally honest, totally dependable, un-selfish and of general good will. In other words, their ain't many humans like that. Maybe if we had a hive-mind like the ants.

Holy cow. That is one of the goofyest things I have ever read regarding politics. It is shallow beyond belief.

Must have been released on April 1st.

I find drinking Jack Daniels and watching porn all day fun and interesting, when do I start?

(1) There will be no government in communist society--people will do what they want without being pushed around by anyone.

I want your big-screen TV. Give it to me, and no fair calling the cops, lest you create a police state.

You see, grasshopper, pure communism has this stumbling block. It promises equality - but few people want to be equal. So in order for everyone to be equal, you must force them to remain equal. And since making everyone equal is such a difficult responsibility, those enforcing equality deserve to be more equal. Meanwhile, the people you are forcing to remain equal have no incentive to work harder, so there is less to divide up among equals and more equals alike.

Which is how you ended up with the Soviet Union.

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