What is Communism?
Communism is a political, economic, and social ideology that opposes private ownership and profit-based economies and replaces it with a classless economic system. It advocates for communal ownership of resources like factories, land, and tools. This system is fundamentally opposed to both capitalism and democracy. Communists believe it's a superior economic and political model that will eventually replace these systems.
Origin of Communism
Collectivist ideals have been a recurrent theme throughout human history. As Sandle notes, the roots of communism and communal living stretch back centuries. From the property-sharing Essenes of the second century BCE to the early Christians who advocated wealth distribution, the aspiration for equality, cooperation, and shared resources has been a persistent undercurrent in diverse cultures.
The Renaissance further fueled utopian thinking, with philosophers like Thomas More and Tommaso Campanella envisioning societies based on communal ownership and egalitarianism. Peasant revolts of the era, such as the German Peasants' Rebellion, also reflected a desire for a more equitable social order, drawing inspiration from biblical teachings.
The Enlightenment’s emphasis on human rights and equality provided fertile ground for communist thought. However, it was the Industrial Revolution, with its stark inequalities and exploitative labor practices, that served as the primary catalyst for the modern communist movement.
How Communism is Different from Socialism
The distinction between communism and socialism is often blurred, even by Karl Marx, who used the terms interchangeably. However, many differentiate them based on Marx's proposed stages of communist development.
The initial phase, often equated with socialism, involves a worker-controlled government and economy. While capitalism and private property are curtailed, individuals are compensated based on their labor contribution.
In contrast, the ultimate goal of communism is a classless society without government or private property. Resources are distributed according to individual needs, not productivity.