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“The real purpose of socialism is precisely to overcome and advance beyond the predatory phase of human development.” — Albert Einstein

What is Socialism?

It certainly isn’t communism. New York City’s Mayor Mamdani has been called a “socialist” and “communist,” as if the terms were interchangeable. Karl Marx thought national-level communism (all property owned by the citizens and apportioned according to their contribution) could work because the ruling class would eventually wither away without bloodshed. So far, none of the self-described communist countries (Soviet Russia, China, North Korea, etc.) has even approached the stage where the wealthiest class has peacefully disappeared. Instead, these countries have become ruthless police states governed by autocrats, in turn backed by wealthy oligarchs.

What is Communism?

Successful communism has only occurred in small groups with members who voluntarily abide by a set of rules. Usually religious or monastic, these groups have included the Shakers (now defunct), Trappists, Hindu ascetics, etc. Members who violate the rules are neither imprisoned nor executed. If they are hopelessly out of step, they are encouraged to leave, typically through a process called shunning. Although it may be emotionally painful, it doesn’t involve bloodletting.

Another notable example of true communism is Christ’s immediate group of disciples who accompanied him on his teaching journey. Thousands of people admired his principles but seldom thought to adopt his lifestyle: “Easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle” than for most of us to trade material riches for spiritual wealth.

So, why was Judas tolerated and allowed to betray the group’s leader? Many Christians think the betrayal was predicted and accepted by Jesus, who foresaw his execution as a sacrificial gift to humanity and the best way to ensure that his teachings would survive.

Some Christian conservatives will recoil from the idea that Christ and his disciples represented a commune, but the facts, as presented in the New Testament, meet the textbook definition.

A Successful Compromise

Socialism is definable as a society that includes the poor, middle-class and wealthy but requires some sharing of wealth and services, to each according to their needs.

Legitimate needs are often hard to define or agree upon, but the only ethical policy is to recognize that some of us begin life with huge advantages. Example: a well-known billionaire says he started his business career in the late 1960s with “a small gift of $1 million” from his father. Others’ handicaps were established long before they or their fathers were born. There are always exceptions, but most of the Horatio Algers — even the poorest ones — belong to the dominant ethnicity, gender, and racial designation of their society.

Socialism is successfully practiced in some countries today, notably certain EU members. According to polls, those are among the happiest societies on earth.

Whether you agree or disagree, please leave a comment.