[Marxism] From each and to each

[Barry Brooks <durable@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

To each according to his needs implies
simplicity, conservation and general
frugality. This principle seems more
important than ever.

To each according to his needs also implies
that we should care for every person, without
qualification. This implies some sort of
basic income.

 From each according to his ability implies a
scarcity of human labor, that we should all
provide our maximum labor, which is true in a
limited way.

If we accept that to each according to his
needs is proper, then we might also accept
that from each according to his ability might
be changed to from each according to the need 
for labor.

That would allow a deal, a social contract.
We will take care of you if you will take
care of us... not for producing as much as 
possible, but for producing the right amount, 
as we need, and for consuming as little as 
possible, just as you need.

The weak link in production has become
resource scarcity. Maximum from-each assumes
that labor scarcity still prevails. So, we
will pursue growth and full employment with
any system that assumes a scarcity of labor
and a surplus of resources.

Barry


















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