[GL of Sector 2814]

There is one episode or film in which Picard specifically defines the communist utopia of the Federation. I think it is in the First Contact movie.

You're correct, here's the actual quote from the film: "The economics of the future is somewhat different. You see, money doesn't exist in the 24th century. The acquisition of wealth is no longer the driving force in our lives. We work to better ourselves and the rest of humanity."

My reaction to this would be, "So...you're not human anymore, is that it?"

[Perdogg]

Given the context of the 21st century it would, but of course we are talking about the 24th century. In the 24th century technology has replaced the old economies and the means of production. It did not come about in name of income redistribution and dictatorship. I am not the biggest fan of TNG, but this is again, is a stretch and has to be kept in its proper context.

What he is referring to is that people choose to explore and conquer space.

[Sloth]

You're correct, here's the actual quote from the film: "The economics of the future is somewhat different. You see, money doesn't exist in the 24th century. The acquisition of wealth is no longer the driving force in our lives. We work to better ourselves and the rest of humanity."

The nice counterpoint to this is that Lily chews him out later about his supposed "evolved sensibilities" when it's clear that human nature is just as gritty and flawed as ever.