From each according to their ability--to each according to their need!?

Question

Is this statement an acceptable guideline for the minimun financial and economic needs of mankind?

Answer 1

Using a guideline like that as a basis for society is a recipe for disaster. In theory, the idea is perfect. It would provide a perfect society, with everyone having exacly what they need.

However, in reality, it has been proven by every nation that has made an attempt at this idea that it is not a workable solution to a nations problems. Choose any socialist society and look at their people. Every time you will find a starving poverty stricken populous.

Critics of free markets (capitalism) often point to the income disparity as a failure of capitalism. But ask yourself, would you rather live in a country where some are rich, but the poor can eat, drive, afford televisions, cable, cell phones, etc. - or live in a country where everyone has nothing?

Answer 2

No, that statement is worthless. Who decides a person's ability and its worth? Who decides a person's "need"? The statement also necessitates a complete lack of personal freedom, doesn't it? Built-in to this statement is necessarily the concept of some all-knowing government power that ruthlessly manages human resources and distributes product. And that is the most devastatingly bad idea in human history.

Answer 3

This was the basic economic theory of communism. It fails to provide incentive, and thus fails all ltogether. It appeals to to lazy idealists who would like someone else to support them.

Answer 4

I disagree with the first half, but agree with the second half. From each according to how much they have, and are capable of producing. I have great ability, but never had money.

Answer 5

**** yus all