Single Idea 22000

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 9. Communism]

Full Idea

From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.

Gist of Idea

From each according to his ability, to each according to his need

Source

Karl Marx (Critique of the Gotha Program [1875]), quoted by Peter Singer - Marx 9

Book Reference

Singer,Peter: 'Marx' [OUP 1996], p.64


A Reaction

Singer says this was not original to Marx, and he placed little emphasis on it. The obvious capitalist response is to ask how you will motivate someone who has huge abilities but few needs. It implies huge inequalities of altruism.