Rediscovering True Communism: Beyond Dictatorship and Myth

Defining communism can be as complex as understanding a human need for communal living. Does one use a dictionary, or is it more personal and ideological? This article explores the true nature of communism, separating myth from reality.

True Vs. Imagined Communism

Communism, as an ideology and economic model, has often been misunderstood and misapplied. The common purse, non-surplus collectivism, shared resources, and housing: these are key tenets that underpin the foundational principles of true communism. But private property plays a crucial role too. Rents, as an aspect of property, are a core ethos of non-surplus collectivism because they are contrary to the communal sharing that communism advocates for.

In essence, communism is about collective ownership. Its origins date back to Christian communities of poor and recently freed slaves, where shared resources ensured survival. A single house with leftover food for its inhabitants became many houses due to a birth surplus. The early form of communism was akin to a large extended family, with everyone sharing the burden and benefits of communal living.

Evolution of Communism

Communism gradually evolved from this initial state. In a more developed form, it described a society where everyone received state subsidies to meet their minimum consumption needs. This progression is rooted in the idea that communal resources were used to provide for everyone's basic needs, rather than allowing for individual surplus or exploitation.

The Terror Behind the Definition

The question of how communism should be defined often leads to a dark narrative dominated by political connotations and historical events. Many dismiss true communism as merely a seizure of power by a small cabal converting all resources for personal benefit and maintaining rule through fear. This perspective ignores the true potential of communism as a social ideal.

In fact, there are two distinct meanings to consider. The original meaning of communism refers to a stateless and classless society, run by the "associated producers." This is a society where individuals work together without the oppressive structures of authority.

The second meaning, applied to certain "Communist" parties and regimes, refers to Marxist-Leninist politics. This was a political con, a form of governance where the party dictatorship combined with state centralization of the economy. The rulers, rather than the people, had control, often at the expense of individual rights.

Beyond Present Paradigms

Is true communism non-existent? The answer is that isolated communities of a few hundred in size might be able to achieve some form of communal living. But a larger society seeking to implement communist principles faces significant challenges. These include the economic feasibility of managing vast communal resources and the psychological and political challenges of maintaining such a society without traditional hierarchies and authority structures.

Communism's truest form is still an ideal worth exploring. In an era marked by increasing digitalization and interconnected global economies, the idea of shared resources and communal living resonates strongly. As we continue to grapple with issues of inequality and sustainability, the concepts of true communism offer a valuable perspective on how we might rearrange our social and economic systems.

Ultimately, defining communism is not just about understanding its historical applications but also about envisioning its potential in a world that increasingly seeks collective well-being over individual gain.